KOLKATA: Locals spotted grass burning in New Town once again next to the Silicon Valley plot on Tuesday morning. The New Town Forum and News (NTFN), an umbrella organization of resident forums in New Town, and the Eco Park Police were informed and the news circulated in WhatsApp groups. Cops went to the spot to douse the fire.
Last year, local resistance groups were formed in coordination with New Town Kolkata Development Authority and the police to prevent the burning of grass and biomass on open land which had caused a lot of air pollution, leading to the death of many birds in the area.
Locals said the large vacant area surrounding the plot has seen the most frequent biomass burning incidents. “A coordinated approach along with NKDA, police, local NGOs and watch groups which was done last year can prevent the recurrence of this nuisance,” residents said.
Biomass burning in New Town was rampant last year. The matter first came to light when a few Red Munia birds were killed and their nest gutted after some miscreants set the grass on fire at a plot opposite Eco Park.“Birds were killed last year due to the rampant biomass burning during last year’s winter. It also causes huge air pollution. We cannot let this happen again,” said NTFN chairperson Samaresh Das. Last year resistance groups were formed and awareness drives were conducted with volunteers keeping a constant watch in groups. NKDA also provided a water tanker to douse the fire whenever any such incident was reported.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/stubble-burning-back-in-new-town/articleshow/87495251.cms
