u/No-Reserve9431

A while back I had a running issue with a couple of my neibhors over garbage burning. It wasn't just garbage but all sorts of crap from tree leaves to wires. Once he burnt an old sofa too. I've been to the Police twice regarding this and someone in a different thread asked me a few questions that prompted me to write this.

Turns out there's an actual legal basis for reporting this. Per Gazette Extraordinary No. 2034/36, issued 01.09.2017,(Gazzette) under the National Environmental Act: "No person shall open burn garbage." Non-compliance is punishable under Section 31 of the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980.(S31 of NEA No 47 of 1980)

What actually works (from experience):

1. Talk to your neighbors first and try to sort it out amicably. This step matters if it escalates.
2. If that fails, take photo/video evidence of the burning.
3. Go to your local police station or call 119. The Environmental Police can file this under public nuisance / the above provisions.
4. Once police get involved and a court date is issued, most people take it seriously fast. Fines in my case were around Rs. 1,500 per person.

Hope this helps anyone dealing with the same headache.