Pune Residents Warned: Bonfires Strictly Banned, Heavy Penalties for Anyone Violating PMC Order
Bonfires Strictly Banned, Heavy Penalties for Anyone Violating PMC Order
PUNE: Even as the city shivers with temperatures dipping below 10°C, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a strong and uncompromising warning to residents: any form of open bonfire in housing societies, commercial areas or on streets is strictly prohibited and will invite immediate penalties.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has made it clear that the civic body will not tolerate residents, watchmen or housekeeping staff burning wood, coal, biomass, waste, plastic or rubber to keep warm. “Anyone found creating a bonfire—whether inside society premises or on public streets—will face action without exception,” he warned.
PMC officials said the practice, which becomes common during cold nights, is a serious violation of the ban on open waste burning. The smoke generated from these fires releases harmful pollutants, including PM10, PM2.5 and carbon monoxide, directly contributing to worsening air quality in the city.
“The smoke from bonfires does not just disturb the environment—it endangers lives,” Ram emphasised. “These emissions can trigger or worsen respiratory ailments, including asthma, especially among children and senior citizens.”
The civic body has appealed to all residential and commercial establishments to ensure strict compliance. PMC teams will be conducting field inspections, and any violator caught warming themselves with an open fire will be penalised immediately.
As the cold wave tightens its grip on Pune, the administration has warned residents to find safe, non-polluting alternatives for heating — or face strict action.
