Litter piles up in hot spots as weather cools down in UAE

Ras Al Khaimah - Many of the violators dumped their waste from their vehicles on public roads.

As more and more people are venturing out to soak in the pleasantly cool weather, the environment is taking a toll with picnickers turning litterbugs
In only the first 15 days of November, 629 environmental violations were registered, while 713 were registered in October, revealed Ahmad Al Shehi, an advisor to the department of public services.
In all, 11,373 people have been fined for environmental violations in Ras Al Khaimah this year till now. Out of these, 2,181 fines were issued at the tourist hub Jebel Jais alone.
"The significant surge in the number of environmental violations is essentially due to the showers and cold weather, Al Shehi explained.
"Many people go out to enjoy the scenic views and fine weather, and pollute the environment with their reckless actions," he added.
Many of the violators dumped their waste from their vehicles on public roads, he pointed out. "Others left their trash behind in parks, on beaches, as well as in desert and green camping areas."
Construction waste, off-loading sewage waste at undesignated areas, and sewage leak at labour camps, outlets, and companies are some of the violations reported as well, he said.
The violation tickets were issued by 28 environment patrols. The Rakeb (Monitor) patrols cover all parts of the emirate sparing no effort to protect the environment and promote the aesthetic image of the emirate, Al Shehi said.
Staff inspectors use smart devices to monitor and record all environmental violations, said Ahmad Al Hammadi, director-general of the department. "These smart devices help detect and video record any violation immediately in the smart system which automatically sends an SMS to the mobile phone of the erring person involved showing its type, place, and time."
More inspection raids have been launched recently at different parts of the emirate, particularly natural sites, valleys, and mountains, he added.
"These natural sites, mainly at Jebel Jais, public beaches, Corniche Road, and along the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, attract people from all over the country," said Al Hammadi.
The judicially-empowered 74 staff inspectors keep an eye on all these sites on 55 patrols to ensure their cleanliness and serenity, Al Hammadi underlined.
Meanwhile, lots of brochures have been distributed across the emirate to raise public awareness and keep the environment clean, Al Shehi underlined.
"Illegal and anti-environment practices need to be immediately reported to the department free hotline (8008118) or via our smart app 'Kolona Rakib' - 'We All Monitor' - to preserve the aesthetic image of the emirate," he said.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Ras Al Khaimah