Pune Pulse Impact: MPCB Directs Immediate Action To Remove Illegal Garbage Dump At Punawale – Marunji Border
Pune Pulse Impact: MPCB Directs Immediate Action To Remove Illegal Garbage Dump At Punawale - Marunji Border
Pune, April 29, 2026: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has instructed local authorities to take urgent action against an illegal garbage dumping site located on the border of Punawale and Marunji in Mulshi taluka.
In an official communication issued by Navnath S Avtade, Sub-Regional Officer, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Pune-2, the board directed the Gram Vikas Officer of Marunji Gram Panchayat to immediately clear the dumping site, ensure complete cleaning of the area, and take preventive measures to stop further dumping in the future.
Pune Pulse reported the issue raised by the Punawale Residents Forum on April 28, 2026. Read article here –
https://www.mypunepulse.com/pune-residents-flag-illegal-garbage-dump-on-punawale-marunji-border-air-quality-gets-affected-too/
Sumit Dhage, Punawale Residents Forum said, “The actual implementation of the MPCB order to scrap the garbage dumping site is something we should watch closely. It will require serious ground-level efforts and could be quite challenging. Let’s hope the dumping stops soon.”
The directive follows multiple complaints received from residents, including the Punawale Residents Forum and individuals who raised concerns via email in March and April 2026. The complaints highlighted that a large-scale illegal garbage dump has developed near forest land along Survey No. 23, at the boundary of Punawale and Marunji.
Residents have alleged that continuous dumping and burning of waste at the site is causing serious health risks and environmental damage in the surrounding area.
The MPCB stated that, as per the Maharashtra government’s environmental guidelines under the Citizens’ Charter 2023, responsibility for addressing pollution issues in rural areas lies with local authorities such as the Gram Panchayat, Talathi, and Tehsildar offices.
Accordingly, the complaint has been forwarded to the concerned Gram Panchayat for necessary action. Officials have been asked to inform the complainants about the steps taken and submit a report to the MPCB.
The move comes amid growing concerns over illegal waste disposal practices and their impact on public health and the environment in rapidly developing areas around Pune.
