Pune: Shakuntala Kanade Park Residents of Undri Demand Immediate Action Against Alleged Illegal Scrap Yard
Pune: Shakuntala Kanade Park Residents of Undri Demand Immediate Action Against Alleged Illegal Scrap Yard
Pune, May 27, 2026: Residents living near Shakuntala Kanade Park have submitted a strong complaint to the Maharashtra government and civic authorities, alleging that an illegal scrap yard operating adjacent to their residential area is openly burning toxic metal waste and carrying out hazardous industrial activities, posing a serious threat to public health and safety.
The complaint has been addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister, Environment Minister, senior officials of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Pune Municipal Corporation and Pune Police.
Residents alleged that despite repeated complaints, emails, inspections and notices issued by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), illegal activities at the scrap yard have continued unchecked for several years. According to the complaint, toxic smoke emissions, gas cutting operations, metal cutting, scrap loading and unloading, and other hazardous industrial activities are being carried out openly within a residential zone.
Citizens stated that the issue is no longer limited to environmental pollution but has become a serious matter concerning law enforcement, administrative accountability and public trust in government agencies.
The residents highlighted several concerns, including open burning of toxic metal waste, severe air and noise pollution, use of oxygen cylinders for gas cutting in residential areas, and alleged intimidation of citizens who raise complaints against the operation.
According to the complaint, the toxic emissions are affecting the health of children, senior citizens and families residing nearby. Residents also expressed frustration that despite paying taxes regularly, they are being forced to live in what they described as an unsafe and polluted environment.
The complainants questioned why illegal operations are continuing even after MPCB issued notices to the scrap yard. They also raised concerns regarding the alleged lack of effective action from PMC, MPCB and other enforcement agencies.
The residents specifically alleged that despite repeated follow-ups and escalation of the issue to higher authorities, no permanent or effective action has been taken by officials.
The letter further questioned whether the enforcement machinery has become ineffective or whether illegal activities are allegedly receiving protection due to administrative negligence, collusion or corruption.
Seeking urgent intervention from the state government, residents demanded immediate sealing and closure of the alleged illegal scrap yard, strict implementation of existing MPCB notices, formation of a joint enforcement team involving PMC, MPCB, police and district administration, and protection for citizens allegedly facing threats for raising complaints.
The residents have also demanded that accountability be fixed on concerned officials for failure of enforcement and that authorities provide a time-bound written report on the action taken.
Warning of escalating the matter further, residents stated that if immediate action is not taken, they may approach the media, publicly disclose details of departments and officials allegedly failing to act, and escalate the matter to the Prime Minister’s Office and other constitutional authorities.
The residents said they are not seeking favours, but demanding their legal rights to clean air, a safe residential environment and proper enforcement of laws framed by the government itself.
