ISLAMABAD, March 5 (Alliance News): The Institute of Urbanism (IoU), with support from the Royal Academy of Engineering and in collaboration with the National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT), has concluded a five-day boot camp aimed at addressing open waste burning (OWB) in Islamabad.
The initiative, titled “Social Impact for Sustainable Alternatives to Open Waste Burning in Islamabad,” brought together students from universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to explore sustainable waste management solutions.
Experts highlighted the severe environmental and health risks of OWB, which persists despite legal prohibitions due to weak enforcement and public awareness gaps.
Dr. Ejaz Ahmad from IoU emphasized the urgency of the issue, warning that toxic emissions from OWB disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
The event also showcased waste-to-resource innovations, with eco-entrepreneurs demonstrating how waste can be transformed into economic opportunities. Experts stressed the role of behavioral change, community engagement, and social media advocacy in eliminating OWB.
Participants, inspired by the discussions, pledged to advocate for sustainable solutions and push for collective action to combat the environmental hazards of open waste burning.
