by: Shallaw yaseen
Burning garbage is an uncivilize habit and a bad practice. Worst of all is when this is carried out near residential areas and especially within cities. Today, due to the environmental crisis and climate pollution, almost all cities around the world have stopped this negative phenomenon of burning garbage. Instead, they are moving toward better waste disposal systems. Here, we are talking about a district in Kurdistan, specifically Garmian and the city of Kalar. As the city expands in both area and population, it urgently needs a specialized system for waste and pollution management. So, Waste Burning in Garmian: Currently, and specifically the city of Kalar, is facing a major environmental challenge due to the accumulation of large amounts of household and industrial waste in improper locations. One of the most significant issues is the resort to random waste burning near residential areas, which releases thick smoke and toxic gases like dioxin and carbon. This practice not only pollutes the air and leads to a rise in respiratory diseases and allergies among citizens, but it also creates an eyesore around the city and negatively impacts the overall quality of life.
Also, the Impact of Waste on Soil and Water Resources, In addition to air pollution, improper waste disposal has a long-term impact on the soil and groundwater of Garmian. Garbage liquid (leachate), which is produced as waste decomposes, seeps deep into the ground and reaches water basins. This poses a major threat to the wells that local people rely on for drinking and agriculture. Furthermore, the spread of plastic waste in agricultural lands and pastures damages the soil structure and kills animals, causing direct harm to the region’s livestock and farming sectors.
In short, what are the mechanisms and methods to solve this problem? Is it difficult to solve this issue of waste burning, or what could be the ultimate solution to this problem? Recycling, which is both a modern process and a way to build awareness among the public, can be seen as an initial solution. To escape this crisis, Garmian must move from the old ‘collect and dump’ system to a ‘smart waste management’ system. This can be done by building recycling plants and sorting waste at the source, such as in homes and markets. Local government and organizations, with help from the private sector, can turn organic waste into natural fertilizer for farmers. Alongside these steps, spreading environmental awareness in schools and the media is crucial, so that citizens themselves become part of protecting the environment of Kalar and Garmian and reducing plastic use.
As a final point, it should be noted that protecting Garmian’s environment is not just a government duty; it is tied to the region’s identity and history. Because of its geography, Garmian is on the front line of climate change in Kurdistan. Therefore, every small step—whether it is planting a tree, reducing waste, or protecting a water source-is actually an effort to sustain life and agricultural growth for future generations. This goal requires strong cooperation between the relevant authorities, university researchers, and the region’s dedicated residents. In result, I repeat this again protecting the environment and changing this old system is no longer a secondary topic, but an inevitable necessity to save water resources and guarantee the future of our generations. Therefore, Kurdistan society, especially Garmian, needs a new awareness and a different lifestyle to face all the problems.