Pune: Baner garbage project shifting, citizens demand closure by January 31

The process of relocating the garbage project from Sus Road in Pune-Baner to a designated area in Nande Chande village, under the jurisdiction of Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), has commenced, but with resistance. 

With the municipal corporation expected to gain possession of the site in the coming days, assurances have been made to the citizens of this area regarding the initiation of the waste treatment project by March 6. Despite the corporation’s plans, local residents are opposing the move and urging the closure of the project before January 31.

Despite the Supreme Court’s order to close the garbage project on Sus road, in Baner, the municipal corporation has been reluctant to move it for the last two and a half years citing lack of space. After the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has ordered to close it till December 31 and shift it to another place. Yet, no concrete stand was taken by the administration.

A week ago, scuffle broke out between former MLA Medha Kulkarni and officials regarding the relocation plans. Subsequently, the administration issued a letter to the President of the Sus Road Baner Development Forum. The letter, following the Collector’s instructions, outlines the acquisition of advance possession for transferring the bio CNG project to the designated land for the waste project in Nande Chande village within PMRDA limits.

Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kadam has mentioned in the letter that if this place is taken over by January 5, the construction and electrical works will be started immediately and a new project will be started here by March 6.

Former MLA Kulkarni has voiced her opposition to the Municipal Corporation’s commitment. During a meeting with residents, it was agreed that the waste plant would be gradually phased out and completely closed by January 31. However, an ambitious action plan has been prepared by the Municipal Corporation for the project’s launch at the new location on March 6. Since the letter lacks signatures from senior officers, Kulkarni has demanded a concrete assurance.