Pune News : Balewadi residents complain about toxic fumes emitting from burning dry waste in open spaces by PMC
Pune: Residents of Golden Trellis Cooperative Housing Society (CHS) in Balewadi, Pune, have raised concerns about the burning of dry waste on a plot adjacent to their society, which is owned by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and designated as an amenity space. The residents have reported experiencing health issues such as eye burning sensation, shortness of breath, headache, blurred vision, and uneasiness due to the toxic smoke emitted from the burning waste, which includes plastic and other hazardous materials.
S. V. Sardesai, a resident of Golden Trellis society, had tweeted the garbage pile on the PMC plot has been burning for over 24 hours and is still smoldering. He has requested the authorities to take immediate action to stop the dumping of garbage on the plot and extinguish the ongoing fire. Several other residents have also expressed their concerns about the continuous burning of waste and its detrimental impact on the health of the residents and the environment.
Shishir Taral, another resident of Golden Trellis, said, “Despite complaining to PMC, the authorities claimed that they were not responsible for the dumping and burning of waste on the plot. In a recent incident of waste burning caused a large fire, and though the fire was eventually extinguished, the smoke lingered in the area for almost 35 hours, affecting the health of children and residents, and damaging the trees in the amenity space.”
Yeole, another resident, highlighted, “Residents were unclear about who was dumping the waste, but it was evident that the waste was being burned after a significant amount had accumulated on the plot. The smoke from the burning waste was harmful to the health of the residents and the environment.”
The residents of Golden Trellis CHS have urged the authorities to take immediate action to stop the dumping and burning of waste on the PMC plot. They have also requested for the main gate of the amenity space to be closed to prevent further dumping and burning of waste. If necessary action is not taken, the residents have stated that they may resort to legal notices and seek compensation for the health concerns faced by the residents in the vicinity.
“We haven’t received any complaints about this whereas, on behalf of PMC no dry waste is being dumped at the ground. So if this is happening we will take action against it,” said Sandeep Khalate, ward officer of the Aundh Baner ward office.
