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Hot Food in Plastic: Amritsar's Hidden Health Hazard
9 Jun
Summary
- Hot food packed in plastic poses health risks, experts warn.
- Microplastics may cause cell damage, increasing cancer risk.
- Waste segregation rules are not being followed in Amritsar.
In Amritsar, the convenience of hot food takeaway is overshadowed by growing health concerns. Popular dishes like chole, puri, and paneer are frequently packed in plastic envelopes, a practice that experts believe poses significant health risks. Dr. Jagdeep Singh, a medical oncologist, highlights that plastic compounds can accumulate in the human body, potentially causing cellular damage and increasing the likelihood of diseases, including cancer.
The city faces challenges with waste management, as rules like the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, requiring the separation of waste into categories, are not consistently followed. Social activist Sandeep Kurl points out that contractors collecting waste are financially motivated to transport mixed, unsegregated waste due to its higher moisture content, which increases recorded weight.
The Amritsar Municipal Corporation acknowledges the issue, with Commissioner Bikramjit Singh Shergill stating that waste segregation begins with the generator. He mentioned that dry waste is valuable and can be sold, and the corporation has Material Recovery Facilities for segregation. Future plans include an Integrated Solid Waste Management plant to mitigate environmental impacts.
