Haze of pollution hangs: AQI exacts cost; BMC ‘passes buck’ to residents

Bhopal: Residents across Bhopal are growing increasingly anxious about the smoke from leaf and garbage burning, a practice that persists despite repeated appeals to put a stop to it. Complaints to the civic body have multiplied, with citizens pointing to the suffocating haze that hangs over neighborhoods. Ward officers, however, argue that verbal grievances are insufficient. They are now asking residents to submit photo or video evidence, saying documented proof will help them identify offenders and enforce penalties more effectively.The urgency is reflected in the city's air quality data. Between 2020 and 2026, Bhopal's AQI has steadily worsened. It stood at 96 in 2020, climbed to 107 in 2021, held steady in 2022, dipped slightly to 98 in 2023, and rose again to 102 in 2024. By 2025, the AQI reached 113, before surging to 164 in 2026—a 45% jump in just one year. Overall, the period shows an 11% deterioration, underscoring the growing health risks for residents. Locals say the burning of leaves and garbage is a visible contributor. "Every evening, smoke rises from waste piles and settles in our homes," said a resident in the Smart City development area. "Ward officers should patrol proactively instead of waiting for complaints. Unless authorities act quickly, the problem will only worsen." BMC officials maintain they are penalizing offenders. Yet incidents raise doubts. Last month, nearly a ton of polythene was burned at Roshanpura. When asked about the complaint days later, a zone officer demanded video evidence—even though smoke was visible from a kilometer away. Residents allege the shopping mall owner escaped penalty.Environmental activists warn against shifting responsibility onto citizens. "Monitoring is the duty of authorities," one campaigner said. "Citizen participation should support enforcement, not replace it."With AQI levels climbing and winter smog thickening, tackling leaf and garbage burning has become both a civic and public health imperative for Bhopal.