TIMERGARA: Thick smoke and flames rising along the banks of the Panjkora River in Timergara and Balambat were not the result of an accidental fire but were caused by garbage set ablaze allegedly by the Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs) of Balambat and Timergara, local residents said on Monday.
According to residents, the dumping and burning sites of both TMAs are located just a few furlongs away from the residence of the deputy commissioner of Lower Dir.They alleged that municipal authorities have been regularly dumping heaps of waste on both sides of the river and later setting it on fire.
Locals claimed that the waste includes not only household garbage but also hazardous hospital waste such as used syringes, medicines, and other medical materials, posing serious risks to public health and the environment.
Residents expressed concern that the open burning of such toxic waste is causing severe environmental pollution and could lead to the spread of dangerous diseases in nearby areas.They said the practice has been continuing for several years despite repeated complaints and appeals to the relevant authorities.
The continued dumping and burning of waste, they added, reflects negligence and indifference on the part of the concerned departments.People demanded immediate action against those responsible and urged the district administration to take practical steps to stop environmental pollution and protect the Panjkora River as well.
