Punawale residents to hold bike rally to protest against proposed garbage depot 

A massive bike rally has been organized in Punawale on 5th November (Sunday) to oppose the proposed garbage depot in the area.

As per further information, the bike rally will begin from 18 Latitude Mall in Punawale.

In October 2023, residents of Punawale had opposed this garbage depot project of the PCMC 

resident stated that they are very concerned about the decision taken by the PCMC regarding the construction of solid waste management project in Punawale. Presently, the Punawale area is heavily urbanized and it is still going on. More than 1 lakh citizens are currently living in Punawale, the natural environment and the neighboring Hinjewadi IT Park are the reason why they like to live here. But it is now seen that the time of deterioration due to the solid waste management project is upon us. This may pose a serious health issue as the proposed solid waste management project is located at a very short distance (200 – 400 m) from many residential societies.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Mayur Patil, committee member of the Me Punekar said, “It is organised to protest the proposed garbage depot which is planned to be set up in Punawale alongwith the residents of Punawale societies and Punawale Gaon residents.” 

When the solid waste management project was sanctioned in 2008, there was not much urbanization but now a large number of housing projects, educational institutions, and hospitals have been built here. The proposed solid waste management project could seriously impact all of these.

The resident further added that the natural beauty will be destroyed as the proposed solid waste management project is planned to be built right next to the forest which will cause a lot of natural damage. The proposed solid waste management project is in the western direction. Winds always blow from west to east and hence it is highly likely to affect already developed areas like Wakad, Tathawade, Hinjewadi IT Park, Marunji, Mumbai Pune Highway along Punawale.

Hence, the bike rally will begin on 5th November (Sunday) from 10 am to 2 pm at 18 Latitude Mall, Punawale. Citizens are appealed to be a part of this bike rally to show strong opposition against the proposed garbage depot in Punawale.

Shreyas Vange