Pune: Private Companies To Manage Waste Pick Up In PMC’s Merged Villages

Pune: Private Companies To Manage Waste Pick Up In PMC's Merged Villages
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering solid waste management, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has entrusted private companies with the responsibility of handling collection, transportation, and scientific processing of solid waste in the merged villages of Sus, Mhalunge, Bavdhan Budruk, and Kondhve Dhavde. This initiative comes in response to the increased waste management challenges following the integration of additional villages into PMC’s jurisdiction.
With the PMC’s existing infrastructure unable to meet the demand created by an additional 250 tonnes of daily waste, Sandeep Kadam, head of the solid waste department, emphasized the necessity of private sector involvement. “We lack the manpower and machinery to establish a solid waste system in these areas immediately,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Under the new arrangement, private contractors will oversee the entire waste management process, from collection to disposal, for a three-year period. The PMC will compensate these companies based on a tipping fee per tonne of waste handled. This fee structure incentivizes efficient waste management practices, ensuring that contractors are accountable for meeting operational benchmarks.
The contractors are mandated to achieve a minimum processing threshold, failing which penalties will be imposed. For instance, a 10% penalty on the tipping fee will be levied if monthly waste handling falls below 80% of expected volumes. Similarly, delays in service complaints resolution will incur penalties to ensure prompt and efficient service delivery.
Despite the challenges, PMC remains committed to supporting the contractors in setting up robust waste management systems. Kadam affirmed, “We have initiated a tender process to facilitate the establishment of these systems, allowing private players to deploy their own infrastructure.”
This collaborative effort between PMC and private entities is expected to significantly improve waste management efficiency in the merged villages, aligning with environmental standards set by pollution control boards. The move underscores PMC’s proactive approach to addressing growing urban challenges while fostering sustainable development practices in Pune’s expanding suburban areas.