Environmental Protection Drive: PPCB sensitises more than 13,000 waste workers to prevent open waste burning
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ April 30,2026
In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the Punjab Pollution Control Board has successfully concluded a massive statewide sensitization drive, training over 13,000 waste and horticulture workers across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), marking a significant milestone in its efforts to improve air quality and environmental management.
The training was kickstarted in November 2025 at Patiala as part of Mission Clean Air Patiala campaign, which was inaugurated by the Punjab Pollution Control Board Chairperson Reena Gupta and Member Secretary Lavneet Dubey and Municipal Commissioner of MC Patiala, Paramjit Singh.
Since then, in 216 batches, 13,023 waste and horticulture workers-both regular and informal -were sensitised across all 166 ULBs in Punjab. The programme focused on scientific waste handling, source segregation, prevention of open waste burning and efficient disposal practices—critical interventions to curb particulate pollution and improve ambient air quality.
The initiative marks a strategic shift in environmental governance, moving away from purely punitive measures toward grassroots empowerment. In addition to imparting environmental and legal awareness against open waste burning, the trainings-designed by the Centre for study of Science, Technology and Policy-uniquely integrated references from religious scriptures to emphasise the cultural and ethical importance of environmental stewardship.
Interactive sessions were designed to simplify complex concepts such as suspended particulate matter (SPM), while also highlighting the health impacts of air pollution and its visible symptoms within communities.
Improper solid waste management, particularly open burning, continues to be a major contributor to declining air quality. By equipping frontline sanitation workers with knowledge and practical tools, PPCB aims to address pollution at its source and strengthen urban environmental governance.
PPCB Chairperson Reena Gupta stated, ‘Several air quality studies in Punjab have identified open burning of municipal solid waste as a significant contributor to air pollution. This first-of-its-kind initiative by a State Pollution Control Board recognises waste workers as the backbone of our environmental ecosystem. By empowering them over taking punitive actions, we are seeking our frontline workers’ active involvement in cleaner air and healthier ecosystem.
‘ ’I appeal to Punjab to not burn garbage and also stop others from doing so. Violations are punitive with challans upto Rs 25000. People must report to the local authorities or the board,’ Reena Gupta added.
