Pune News : City’s Daily Plastic Waste Generation Reaches Nearly 400 Tonnes Everyday
By: Pune Pulse
July 5, 2023
Pune: Despite plastic being harmful and knowing the consequences of its hazard to nature, the use of plastic is rampant in the city. As per information from the solid waste management department, nearly 2200 tonnes of waste is generated every day in Pune city out of which, close to 400 tonnes is plastic waste.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Asha Raut, Head of PMC Solid Waste Management Department said, “Out of the plastic waste generated every day in the city, the majority of the waste is generated through plastic bottles. Majorly, this plastic waste is generated from various shops, offices, houses, shops, public institutions, vegetable markets, industrial establishments, constructions, hospitals, hotels and more. The PMC every day processes plastic waste for fuel & other uses. The PMC has squads for monitoring the situation of plastic waste & waste, in general, every day in all the localities of Pune coming under PMC jurisdiction. Apart from that, the PMC conducts various awareness programs across the city regarding waste segregation, plastic waste, solid waste, wet waste, dry waste and more.”
According to Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, segregation of waste is mandatory. Also, dumping and burning of garbage in the open is prohibited.
As per information shared by Ketaki Ghatge, Nodal Officer, PMC Swachh Survekshan, the PMC has 16 squads for waste monitoring and taking action. One of the squads works at the central level, reporting to higher officials, & 15 squads work in the areas coming under the PMC jurisdiction. Around 180 to 200 officers work on the ground level to monitor the waste situation. Strict action is taken every day against defaulters. The PMC is planning to strengthen the squads to ensure more effective monitoring of waste disposal soon.
As per data from Ketaki Ghatge, the PMC has imposed fines of Rs 37 lakh 15 thousand on 674 people from April 2022 to May 2023 for throwing plastic waste at public places.
