Pune’s AQI worsens due to surge in garbage burning cases
Pune’s AQI worsens due to surge in garbage burning cases
In December, the rise in garbage burning is causing concern among residents, especially as the air quality index (AQI) during winter has been categorized as “poor” for the first time.
As Pune experiences a drop in minimum temperatures this winter, its AQI entered the “poor” category for the first time in December. This development has heightened worries about deteriorating air quality among residents.
The month of December has witnessed 458 incidents of open garbage burning, adding to the existing apprehension about declining air quality. On Monday, Shivajinagar’s AQI reached the “very poor” level.
Experts point out that, along with construction dust and vehicle emissions, burning garbage significantly contributes to the city’s worsening AQI.
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) documented 458 instances of garbage burning by December 25, imposing fines totaling Rs 2.5 lakh on violators. Moreover, the organization recorded a notable increase in unlawful garbage dumping, with more than 6,709 instances this month compared to 4,299 in November.
A PMC official explained that, in an attempt to keep warm, workers and security guards at construction sites resort to burning tires and other waste materials. The increased number of offenses this month is also attributed to heightened law enforcement and stricter oversight against offenders.
A senior PMC solid waste management official emphasized that stringent measures will be taken against violators, particularly security guards at apartment buildings, business complexes, and construction sites.
