Pune: Residents Stage Second Protest Against Toxic Smell And Air Pollution From Hadapsar Waste Plant
Pune: Residents Stage Second Protest Against Toxic Smell And Air Pollution From Hadapsar Waste Plant
In their second peaceful protest, approximately 100 residents from over 50 housing societies in Sopanbaug, Udaybaug, BT Kawade Road, Hadapsar, Ghorpadi, Fatima Nagar, and nearby areas gathered on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 4:00 PM at the Hadapsar Industrial Waste Management Depot. The protest, organized under the aegis of “Residents Forum – Udaybaug, Sopanbaug, Ghorpadi,” highlighted the severe air pollution and toxic foul smell caused by the PMC and PCB Solid Waste Management and Composting Plant at 63, B Takar Path, Hadapsar, Pune.
Renuka Suryavanshi
Residents demanded the immediate removal of the garbage depot, citing persistent health hazards, including respiratory infections, asthma, lung issues, heart ailments, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Senior citizens, children, and families of affected individuals joined the protest, carrying placards with messages such as “We Can’t Breathe – We Demand Clean Air,” “Remove Waste Processing Plant from Residential Area,” and “Wake Up PMC and PCB.”
Local MLA Chetan Tupe, who resides in the same area and is also affected by the toxic environment, participated in the protest. He extended his support to the Residents Forum and pledged to address the issue in the state assembly.
Advocate Anirodha Mishra, leading the campaign, stated that this is the second time residents have voluntarily gathered to protest the unresolved issue. He alleged that government and municipal officials are in contempt of a court order directing the removal of the plant. Mishra revealed that mixed wet and dry garbage, including animal, chicken, and fish waste from restaurants, butcheries, and Shivaji Market, is stockpiled at the depot. When this waste is eventually processed using JCB machines, the decomposed material emits a noxious odor, severely affecting the surrounding areas. Mishra announced plans to meet Pune’s Guardian Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, to escalate the matter.
Govind Bhagchandi, another prominent protester, warned of further demonstrations at the Collector’s office, PMC office, and PCB office if the authorities fail to act. He stressed that extensive measures would be undertaken to ensure the premises are vacated promptly.
Meher Venkatraman expressed shock at the sight of garbage mountains in the open, attracting birds and posing a potential threat to aviation safety. Task Force members informed the protesters that despite court orders and instructions from the Maharashtra government, the PMC and PCB have failed to remove the waste processing plant, exacerbating the residents’ plight.
The protest underscored the growing frustration of the community, which is determined to pursue all necessary measures to achieve a resolution to the ongoing environmental and health crisis.
