Pune: ‘We Are Being Poisoned’ — Undri Residents Slam Authorities Over Rampant Scrap Burning
Pune: ‘We Are Being Poisoned’ — Undri Residents Slam Authorities Over Rampant Scrap Burning
Pune, December 5, 2025: Over 120 flat owners of Tulshi Shakuntala Kanade Park in Undri have issued a strong complaint to civic and environmental authorities, alleging continued burning and dismantling of metal scrap in the open at a nearby scrapyard—despite multiple prior complaints. They say the practice, which involves the use of oxygen cylinders for gas cutting, is releasing toxic fumes and posing a serious health hazard, especially to children and elderly residents.
In a recent email to officials, residents highlighted that the open burning has severely affected the community’s well-being. One resident mentioned that his elderly mother, who suffers from COPD, is experiencing increased breathing difficulties due to the polluted air. Several families have even purchased air purifiers at home to cope with the deteriorating air quality.
Another communication from residents questioned how a scrapyard involved in open burning of metallic waste and gas cutting could be allowed to operate within a residential zone. They sought clarity from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on whether any permissions were granted for such hazardous activities and requested documentation, if any, authorizing the use of oxygen cylinders or open burning at the location.
In the letter sent by MPCB to the residents, acknowledged the work as an environmental hazard, posing severe health concerns.
Residents expressed strong dissatisfaction with what they described as departmental inaction, raising concerns about accountability and enforcement of environmental regulations. They also pointed out that an MPCB representative had asked for citizens’ availability for a site inspection—something residents argue places statutory responsibilities on the public instead of the authorities.
The residents have written emails to Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Govinda Raj and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, pressing for immediate intervention. Residents say the matter has already been escalated through the Chief Minister’s Office, yet no corrective measures have been initiated so far.
Residents of Tulshi Shakuntala Kanade Park are demanding urgent enforcement, strict accountability, and a thorough investigation into the ongoing violations, calling the situation a serious lapse in governance and a growing threat to public health.
