Towards Creating Open Burning Free (OBF) Cities in India

Open burning of municipal waste refers to the uncontrolled burning of waste in households, on streets, in public places, and in landfills. Open burning is prevalent in Indian cities and significantly contributes to air pollution, climate change, and public health crises. Leading causes for continued open burning are that the waste management infrastructure has not kept pace with urbanisation, and people's careless attitudes and practices towards waste management. Vulnerable urban communities, including informal waste pickers and individuals living near dumpsites, are disproportionately affected by uncontrolled open burning in cities. This policy brief, therefore, calls for urgent, systemic action to prevent open burning, highlighting the environmental, social, and financial consequences while proposing a comprehensive preventive strategy.