Mounting Garbage Crisis in Kharadi: PMC’s Inconsistent Collection Sparks Health Concerns Among Residents
Mounting Garbage Crisis in Kharadi: PMC's Inconsistent Collection Sparks Health Concerns Among Residents
By: Pune Pulse
December 28, 2023
Pune: Residents of Kharadi have been struggling with a mounting garbage crisis for months. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has failed to collect waste from the area since November, leaving residents no choice but to live amidst overflowing trash and filth.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Akhil Agarwal, a resident of Kharadi said, “The number of eateries, footpath tapris and more is increasing in Kharadi. So, such hawkers dump garbage in the open. A huge amount of garbage gets piled up. PMC doesn’t pick up garbage daily. It happens mostly once or twice a week or when you escalate the issue. However, there is no consistency in the garbage collection by the PMC. So, several points in Kharadi have become chronic. The main point over here is that the PMC must show consistency & collect garbage every day without fail by themselves.”
As per information, the situation has become so dire that residents have taken to social media to voice their concerns and plead for help. Complaints filed with the PMC have been met with silence and the problem continues to worsen with each passing day.
The consequences of uncollected garbage go beyond the unsightly landscape it creates. The health risks associated with garbage dumping are numerous and pose a significant threat to the well-being of those living in the affected areas.
Exposure to garbage can lead to the spread of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and cholera. Mosquitoes and flies breed in waste, and their bites can transmit illnesses. Moreover, the decaying process of organic matter releases harmful chemicals into the air, including greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, which contribute to climate change.
The rotting of food waste also attracts rodents and other pests, which can carry diseases like leptospirosis and hantavirus. In addition, improperly disposed of sharp objects and broken glass can cause physical injuries, especially to children playing outside.
Furthermore, the lack of proper waste management can contaminate water sources, both surface and groundwater, making them unsafe for consumption. This is particularly concerning during the COVID-19 pandemic, where access to clean water is essential for hand hygiene and disease prevention.
As the world grapples with another wave of the coronavirus, the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices cannot be overstated. Uncollected garbage undermines these efforts, putting residents at an increased risk of contracting the virus. Social distancing becomes challenging when people need to navigate through heaps of trash to enter their homes or access public spaces.
Sushma Munde, Sanitary Inspector, PMC said, “We have cleared the entire dumped garbage from the area.”
