Pune: Massive Fire Breaks Out In Garbage Dump Along Mula-Mutha River In Loni-Kalbhor; Thick Smoke Raises Health Concerns
Pune: Massive Fire Breaks Out In Garbage Dump Along Mula-Mutha River In Loni-Kalbhor; Thick Smoke Raises Health Concerns
Pune, February 27, 2026: A major fire erupted on Friday morning in heaps of garbage dumped along the riverbed of the Mula-Mutha River at Loni-Kalbhor in Haveli taluka, triggering dense plumes of smoke that spread across nearby areas and caused breathing difficulties among residents. Fire brigade personnel battled the blaze for several hours, with efforts continuing till late evening.
According to local sources, the waste had allegedly been dumped in the riverbed by the Loni-Kalbhor and Kadamwakvasti gram panchayats. With no designated land available for scientific waste processing or storage, nearly 30 to 35 trolley-loads of garbage are reportedly being deposited in the riverbed daily. Over time, large mounds of waste have accumulated, emitting a persistent foul odour and posing environmental risks.
Friday’s fire led to the release of thick, toxic smoke, engulfing nearby residential pockets. Residents complained of eye irritation, throat discomfort and respiratory distress. The situation has raised particular concern as several educational institutions operate in the vicinity, potentially affecting thousands of students.
The incident has once again brought attention to waste management lapses in the area. Despite nationwide cleanliness and river conservation drives under initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, local residents allege that dumping and subsequent burning of garbage in the riverbed has occurred repeatedly. Similar fire incidents have reportedly taken place in the past, often attributed to unidentified persons.
Environmental activists warned that the unchecked dumping is contributing not only to severe air pollution but also to water contamination. Pollution of the river threatens aquatic life and further degrades the ecological health of the region.
Residents have demanded a thorough inquiry into the incident, strict action against those responsible, and the immediate establishment of a sustainable solid waste management system. They have also urged district authorities to allocate a separate site for scientific waste processing and to halt the direct dumping of garbage into the riverbed, which is considered Pune’s lifeline.
