Pune: PMC Fines 69 For Open Garbage Burning, Collects ₹3.45 Lakh
Pune: PMC Fines 69 For Open Garbage Burning, Collects ₹3.45 Lakh ( Representative Image )
Pune | July 28, 2025 — In response to mounting pressure from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has penalised 69 individuals for open garbage burning, collecting a total of ₹3.45 lakh in fines since June 2024.
The PMC submitted an affidavit to the NGT’s western zonal bench, confirming the action taken after the tribunal flagged non-compliance issues during a July 2 hearing. At the hearing, the NGT criticised PMC’s inadequate enforcement and directed the civic body to intensify its efforts and submit a detailed response.
According to the affidavit filed by Sandip Kadam, Deputy Commissioner, Solid Waste Management, PMC has implemented regular monitoring through its Quick Response Team (QRT) and tracing team, both tasked with identifying and penalising violators. A fine of ₹5,000 is being imposed per offence. In total, 69 individuals have been fined, amounting to ₹345,000 in penalties so far.
The PMC also highlighted that meetings are being conducted regularly at the ward and zonal levels to address challenges in solid waste management, especially illegal burning. In addition, the Information Department is actively conducting awareness campaigns to discourage such practices.
The crackdown follows a May 29, 2024, NGT directive, which had instructed PMC to conduct monthly reviews of its anti-garbage burning measures and publish the outcomes on its website. However, in June 2025, a citizens’ group named ‘Citizens for Area Sabha’ filed an execution petition alleging non-compliance and even claimed that PMC staff might be involved in the open burning incidents.
While the NGT acknowledged PMC’s recent enforcement steps, it also noted continuing reports of garbage being burned in specific areas. In its latest order dated July 25, the tribunal instructed the petitioner to file a separate case for further legal pursuit if violations persist. The NGT also encouraged the applicant to raise concerns at PMC’s monthly review meetings and urged the civic body to take effective remedial measures going forward.
