Complaint Filed Over Open Burning of Municipal Waste at Dadahu, Sirmaur

We have submitted a formal complaint to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Nahan, regarding the open burning of mixed municipal waste near Dadahu Bus Stop in District Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh. The incident was documented on 9 November 2026 through photographs and video evidence. Our complaint, submitted on 10 November 2026, requests an immediate investigation, corrective action and measures to prevent similar incidents.

Open Burning of Mixed Waste Documented at Dadahu

On 9 November 2026, at approximately 4:14 PM, an accumulation of mixed solid waste was documented burning in an open area near Dadahu Bus Stop on MDR-1.

The photographs show flames and smoke rising from a substantial pile of discarded materials, including apparent plastic packaging and other mixed waste. Scattered rubbish is also visible across the surrounding ground, with vegetation close to the burning area.

The photographs carry GPS Map Camera overlays identifying the location as Dadahu, District Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, with approximate coordinates 30.60035° N, 77.43778° E. The displayed timestamps are 4:14:39 PM and 4:14:41 PM on 9 November 2026.

Concerns Regarding Possible Involvement of Sanitation Personnel

We have requested that the concerned authorities verify these details through an official inquiry. The investigation should determine whether any sanitation personnel were involved and, if so, whether the burning occurred under instructions, with official knowledge or independently.

Environmental and Public Health Concerns

The incident raises concerns about air pollution, fire safety and the management of municipal waste in Dadahu.

Open burning of mixed waste, particularly when plastic materials may be present, can release harmful pollutants into the surrounding air. Burning waste close to vegetation also presents an avoidable fire hazard.

The visible accumulation of discarded materials raises further questions about the adequacy of local arrangements for waste collection, segregation, transportation and disposal. An official inspection is needed to establish whether the conditions documented at this location reflect wider deficiencies in waste management.

The matter is especially concerning given Dadahu's proximity to the ecologically sensitive Renuka region, where maintaining clean public spaces and preventing environmental pollution are important responsibilities.

Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 and Local Accountability

The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, which came into force on 1 April 2026, establish responsibilities for environmentally sound waste management across urban and rural areas.

Under Rule 40, rural local bodies, including Gram Panchayats, have responsibilities relating to waste collection, segregation, transportation and management. The rules specifically require Gram Panchayats to ensure that open dumping and burning of solid waste do not take place.

The burning documented at Dadahu raises questions about compliance with these requirements.

If an official inquiry establishes that Panchayat sanitation personnel were involved, it would also be necessary to examine the adequacy of institutional supervision, staff training and accountability.

Responsibility for the incident must be determined through a fair investigation rather than presumed from the available photographs.

Our Complaint and Requests for Immediate Action

In our complaint submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Nahan, on 10 November 2026, we requested the following measures:

1. Immediate site inspection: Direct the concerned Panchayat authorities and appropriate environmental officials to inspect the location and examine the circumstances of the burning.
2. Cessation of burning and waste removal: Ensure that open burning is stopped and the accumulated waste is removed through authorised arrangements.
3. Verification of personnel involvement: Establish the identity, employment status and duties of the individual visible in the evidence, and determine whether any sanitation personnel were involved in the burning.
4. Accountability after investigation: Initiate appropriate action against any persons or authorities found responsible following a proper inquiry.
5. Disclosure of waste management arrangements: Direct Gram Panchayat Dadahu to provide details of its existing systems for waste collection, segregation, transportation, processing and disposal.
6. Preventive measures: Ensure suitable waste receptacles, regular collection, authorised disposal arrangements and clear instructions prohibiting further open burning.
7. Inspection and action taken report: Obtain a report detailing the inspection findings and corrective measures, preferably within seven days.

These requests seek not only immediate removal of the accumulated waste but also an examination of the arrangements and responsibilities necessary to prevent recurrence.

Need for Preventive and Corrective Action

The incident documented at Dadahu highlights the importance of responsible waste management at the local level. Clearing accumulated waste is necessary, but lasting improvement also requires appropriate collection systems, safe disposal arrangements, effective supervision and adherence to environmental regulations.

We have requested prompt intervention from the concerned authorities to establish the facts, determine responsibility where warranted and ensure appropriate preventive and corrective measures.

Our objective is to protect the local environment and public health while encouraging accountable and environmentally sound waste management practices in Dadahu and the surrounding region.