Punawale residents hold protest against PCMC’s proposed garbage depot project
Punawale residents hold protest against PCMC's proposed garbage depot project
Today in Punawale, a protest was organised to draw attention to the upcoming Solid Waste Management (SWM) Project Garbage Depot proposed by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). This protest was held near Lotus Business School in Punawale from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and aimed to address the various concerns raised by the residents regarding the SWM project.
As per the information provided, the intention behind the protest was to metaphorically ‘wake’ the PCMC administration, which has been neglecting the concerns and requests of Punawale residents.
As per the information received, the concerns revolve around sanitation, health-related issues, and the negative impacts observed in Moshi, where a former garbage depot was located.
Earlier, Punawale Residents Group and others carried out a bike rally. The plan for the SWM garbage depot originated in 2008, when Punawale had a significantly smaller population. However, due to the rapid urbanisation, the current residents vehemently oppose the project. Citizens from Hinjawadi, Wakad, Ravet, Shinde Wasti, Jambhale, and others also joined the protest in a show of solidarity.
As per the information received, the PCMC is currently engaged in efforts to obtain 23 hectares of land in Punawale for the establishment of a waste depot. At the same time, the Forest Department will be acquiring 23 hectares of private land near the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur district through an exchange.
In light of these developments, the residents of Punawale have voiced their concerns by raising slogans, questioning the advantages for their community, expressing worries about the decision to buy properties in the vicinity, and strongly urging the cancellation of the proposed SWM Garbage Depot. The sentiments conveyed by the residents highlight the magnitude of their resistance and discontent towards the suggested waste management initiative within their vicinity.
While talking to Pune Pulse, Mayur Patil, Punawale Resident, added, ”Currently, Punawale area is experiencing significant urbanisation and is home to over 100,000 residents. The natural surroundings and proximity to the Hinjewadi IT Park make it an attractive place to live. However, the solid waste management project will pose a threat to the residents of the area. The proposed project is in close proximity to various buildings and housing societies, within a distance of 100–200 meters. This proximity can potentially result in severe health problems and the spreading of diseases. We will continue to protest until the administration revokes their decision.”
Another resident and president of Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Society Federation, Dattatray Deshmukh, added, ”The solid waste management project that is being planned near the forest will result in significant harm to the environment and ruin the natural aesthetics of the area. Additionally, the Punawale water resource is responsible for providing water to the entire Pimpri Chinchwad, and the project has the potential to contaminate the water, posing a huge threat to residents. This depot can also lead to the spread of various diseases like dengue, malaria, etc. We will continue to protest until PCMC wakes up and reconsiders their decision.”
Sachin Londhe, vice president, Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation said, “Punawale residents are protesting since 2 months now. Maharashtra Government and PCMC is simply ignoring it. There is no acknowledgment nor any response from them. Every week Punawalekars are protesting in thousand numbers on the streets of Punawale however there is no enquiry from Guardian minister nor from PCMC. MLA Chinchwad did acknowledged and participated and declared her support for the cause.”
Madhupriya Dhanwate
