Pune Municipal Corporation’s Neglect Sparks Open Burning of Water Leaves, Raises Pollution Concerns

In a shocking revelation, it has been uncovered that contractors responsible for extracting and disposing of sediments from the Mula-Mutha rivers are neglecting their duties. 

After harvesting water leaves at Rajaram Pul, instead of transporting and disposing of them appropriately, these dried leaves are being openly burned. This careless act is contributing to increased pollution and placing a burden on the municipal corporation. 

The city’s untreated sewage flowing directly into Mula-Mutha rivers and lakes has led to the proliferation of aquatic plants. This, in turn, has caused a surge in the mosquito population, affecting the health and well-being of the local population. To combat this, the municipal corporation annually conducts tenders worth crores of rupees for the extraction of aquatic plants from various water bodies, including the Mula-Mutha River, Pashan Lake, Jambhulwadi Lake, and Katraj Lake.

However, political interference and inconsistent tender conditions have resulted in disputes surrounding these contracts. This year, a significant tender of Rs. has been floated by the Municipal Corporation, entrusting the contractor with the responsibility of machine-extracting, transporting, and disposing of water leaves. Despite this, it has been revealed that the municipal administration is turning a blind eye to the contractor’s neglect of the work.

Water leaves intercepted at Rajaram Bridge, sourced from Khadakwasla Dam, are supposed to be dried, transported, and disposed of. Unfortunately, for several months, dried water leaves have been left abandoned on the riverbank, and the current burning operation adds to the environmental hazard.

The blatant burning of water leaves under Rajaram Bridge not only contributes to pollution but also violates the ban on open garbage burning. While the municipal corporation takes punitive actions against citizens for similar offences, this recent negligence has been overlooked, allowing the burning of plastic, clothes, and other waste, to cause a foul smell.

Despite the Municipal Corporation paying Rs. 1300 for each round of the dumper for proper disposal, the current scenario raises concerns about the effectiveness of the administration’s oversight. Authorities have promised to investigate and take further action to address the environmental crisis caused by the negligent contractors.