I WANT to draw the attention of the Lahore solid waste management authorities towards a park situated in front of the Government School of main market, Lahore. It has been turned into a huge garbage dump where all kinds of trash is thrown by people living in its vicinity.

The park is full of plastic bags, broken glass, diapers, rotten food, etc. People dump garbage here on a daily basis. It becomes difficult for pedestrians to pass through here because of the nauseating odour that emanates.

Scavengers can be seen circling over the park throughout the day. Stray dogs which come here pose a threat to pedestrians. In fact, some people, including school children, have already been bitten.

Sometimes people try to get rid of the waste by burning it. However, it makes things worse as it spreads pollution and releases poisonous chemicals into the air.

Chapter Vlll, Section 34 of the Lahore Development Authority Act 1975 clearly states that if anyone damages or pollutes the LDA’s property, then that person would be punished accordingly. The law needs to be enforced. Appointing a law-enforcement officer from the locality’s police station would help the cause in a big way.

However, disposing of the waste is first and foremost the responsibility of the Lahore solid waste management authorities. I hope that it would take action on an urgent basis.

Mehboob Ali Formanite

Lahore

Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2014