Garbage burning in Pune : PMC files more than 1700 cases against offenders

In a bid to curb the hazardous practice of burning garbage, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken measures by filing over 1,700 cases and collecting fines totaling Rs 9.8 lakh from offenders from April last year to February this year.

Sandip Kadam, Head of PMC’s Solid Waste Management department highlighted the formation of flying squads to intensify actions against waste burning, with drives conducted at ward office levels.

The Initiative stems from multiple complaints received by PMC, prompting action under the solid waste management guidelines approved in 2016. Repeat offenders face penal provisions, including criminal cases.

A resident of Kalyani Nagar, Divest Agarwal, said, “They keep burning the garbage now and then and it gets hazardous for people like us living close to such places and also causing harm to the environment. Actions on such issues should be taken immediately without the need for the citizens to raise complaints. Moreover, it is dangerous for the children as well. This issue has been going on for years, it has stopped In between but has started again in two to three months.” 

Despite an initial drive launched ahead of the G20 summit in January 2023, subsequent months saw a decrease in momentum. However, PMC officials reassured the public of an intensified drive since December last.

Activists and citizens advocate for steadfastness in PMC’s approach, citing environmental hazards associated with garbage burning.

According to environmentalists, burning various materials like plastic, glass, metal, and rubber releases harmful compounds and particulates, including carbon monoxide, carcinogenic hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and formaldehyde. With Pune generating nearly 1600 metric tonnes of garbage daily, comprising 250 tonnes of wet waste, 850 tonnes of dry waste, and 500 tonnes of mixed trash, concerns over the 15% plastic waste highlight the urgency for sustained action against burning practices.