Sharad Pawar-led NCP, IT professionals join protest against garbage depot in Punawale

By: Pune Pulse

December 11, 2023

Pune: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sharad Pawar, has opposed the proposed garbage depot at Punawale by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) due to protests and demonstrations by the residents of Punawale and members of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Cooperative Societies Federation (PCCSF).

The NCP has expressed concern about the establishment of a new garbage depot at Punawale despite ongoing projects at the Moshi garbage depot. The party has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of prioritizing personal interests over the well-being of citizens. It has accused the BJP MLA of favouring his relative at the expense of citizens and highlighted the potential negative consequences of establishing a garbage depot in Punawale.

The controversy stems from PCMC’s allocation of a 65-acre area in Punawale for a garbage depot in 2008, which was originally intended to be surrounded by a non-development zone. However, building permits were granted in the surrounding areas, leading to residential and commercial projects. The proposed Punawale garbage depot is expected to significantly impact the lives of thousands of individuals in the region.

The NCP in Pimpri Chinchwad has claimed that the municipal corporation has invited bids for the construction of the Waste to Energy (WTE) project at the Moshi garbage depot, with a contract value of ₹350 crore.

The NCP has organized a chain hunger strike at PCMC’s main office from Thursday daily till December 11 from 10 am to 6 pm.