Pune : Residents of Kalyani Nagar demand urgent action against garbage dumping 

The residents of Kalyani Nagar, under the Team Swachh Kalyani Nagar (TSKN), have raised concerns over the rampant burning of garbage along the riverbank on South Avenue. This issue, which escalated on Monday, March 11, 2024, has sparked inconvenience among the citizens of Kalyani Nagar as it is causing hazardous effects on both health and the environment. 

A resident of Kalyani Nagar, Dives Agarwal said, “They keep burning the garbage now and then and it gets hazardous for people like us living close to such places and also causing harm to the environment. Actions on such issues should be taken immediately without the need for the citizens to raise complaints. Moreover, it is dangerous for the children as well. This issue has been going on for years, it has stopped In between but has started again in two to three months.” 

Another resident, Narayan Kamath said, “The smoke spreads everywhere, though I stay away from the area, I can sometimes see it. It is causing harm to the residents and action should be taken as soon as possible.” 

The plumes of smoke, arising from the burning heaps of garbage not only degrade air quality but also pose severe health risks to the residents. Concerns range from respiratory illnesses to potential water contamination, threatening the local ecosystem. 

The demands of the residents include urgent action on garbage burning issues alongside the riverbank throughout the city, strict action against those breaking the environmental laws, Implementation of effective waste management systems, regular monitoring of anti-pollution measures by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and conducting awareness campaigns amongst the citizens. 

Despite repeated complaints to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), concrete actions to address the issue are yet to be taken. TSKN’s proactive efforts to draw attention to the issue have yielded a response from authorities.