Pune Pulse Impact: PCB Clears Weeks-Long Garbage Pile Near Clover Center After Public Outcry
Pune Pulse Impact: PCB Clears Weeks-Long Garbage Pile Near Clover Center After Public Outcry
Pune, December 4, 2025: The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) on Wednesday removed a massive mound of garbage that had been accumulating for weeks outside Clover Center near JJ Garden in Camp. The clean-up comes amid an ongoing dispute over revised waste collection charges and follows growing complaints from shopkeepers and visitors about foul smell, health hazards, and obstruction at the busy commercial hub.
Pune Pulse had highlighted the issue in its November 24 and December 2 report, drawing attention to the residents’ grievances.
The conflict began on October 8, when the PCB chief executive officer issued a notice to Clover Center, accusing the society of violating Section 289 of the Cantonment Act by dumping discarded clothes on public land and creating unhygienic conditions. The society dismissed the claims, alleging that illegal hawkers in the area were responsible for the waste.
A second notice issued on November 20 reiterated that the PCB is responsible for waste collection and segregation, while clarifying that commercial units must pay ₹500 per month and residential units ₹50.
Jyotsna Khandekar, chairperson of the Clover Center society, said citizens’ pressure played a crucial role in ensuring the garbage was finally removed. “It is because of public awareness and the efforts of society members that the waste was cleared. We have always handed over segregated waste. Now that PCB has taken action, they must restore the previous collection system to provide relief to residents. We thank the Pune media for highlighting our issue. We also want the PCB to take action against the encroachments,” she said.
The situation worsened in October after the Hadapsar Industrial Estate garbage processing plant refused to accept the cantonment’s 50 tonnes of daily waste. Authorities said unsegregated waste from Clover Center had triggered technical problems, leading to a three-day shutdown of the facility.
