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Decision maker: Pune Municipal Corporation


Demands:

  • Stop illegal dumping and burning of waste across Pune

  • Dedicated 24x7 complaint number for waste burning

  • Dedicated response squads/ force for immediate action after complaints are lodged

  • Ensure round-the-clock cleaning of garbage-laden spots

  • Publish mandatory monthly reports on open waste burning cases and actions taken, as per the NGT order, to ensure transparency and accountability.

  • Provide real-time updates and contact information for mobile squads to enable timely responses to complaints.

  • Increase nighttime patrols in chronic waste-burning hotspots.

  • Sensitisation of PMC staff on the hazards of burning waste.


Update: 28th October 2024

We met  the Solid Waste Management Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation to discuss the growing concerns about illegal garbage dumping across Pune

PMC Solid Waste Management Chief Sandip Kadam, He assured us that they will take steps to address the issue.


Introduction


Illegal waste burning and dumping has become the norm across Pune. Toxic fumes from burning trash are polluting the environment, causing health concerns, and endangering the lives of citizens.


This problem plagues the entire city – from highways to residential zones, everything is  turning into illegal dumping grounds. Despite numerous complaints from residents and environmental activists, municipal authorities have failed to improve waste management at the source. This leaves scrap vendors with no choice but to burn the leftover waste.


With the onset of the winters, the air becomes denser, and therefore pollutants from burning trash remain suspended in the air for longer, deteriorating the air quality. Pune, has over the last few weeks witnessed poor air quality on numerous occasions. 


The National Green Tribunal (NGT), in its order dated May 29, 2024, directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to review garbage burning measures monthly and upload reports on its website for public awareness. However, the Solid Waste Management Department has only uploaded one action plan since May, failing to meet the NGT’s requirement on transparency.


Despite promises that were a part of PMC’s Action plan which was uploaded on their website on December 17, 2024, a lot of issues remain unresolved till date. Information about mobile squads that respond to open waste burning complaints is not readily available. Garbage burning often occurs in the evenings and late at night, reiterating the requirement for more effective nighttime vigilance. The PMC claims to have increased the fine on open-burning tenfold, from INR 500 to INR 5000, however implementation remains poor.


We urge the municipal corporation to take swift action to ensure effective waste management in the city. Response time to address complaints must be minimised, phone numbers of mobile squads should be publicly available and monthly reports and actions taken on open waste burning must be published on the PMC website.


These measures will ensure open burning of waste and illegal dumping becomes a thing of the past!


Sources:


Decision maker: Pune Municipal Corporation


Demands:

  • Stop illegal dumping and burning of waste across Pune

  • Dedicated 24x7 complaint number for waste burning

  • Dedicated response squads/ force for immediate action after complaints are lodged

  • Ensure round-the-clock cleaning of garbage-laden spots

  • Publish mandatory monthly reports on open waste burning cases and actions taken, as per the NGT order, to ensure transparency and accountability.

  • Provide real-time updates and contact information for mobile squads to enable timely responses to complaints.

  • Increase nighttime patrols in chronic waste-burning hotspots.

  • Sensitisation of PMC staff on the hazards of burning waste.


Update: 28th October 2024

We met  the Solid Waste Management Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation to discuss the growing concerns about illegal garbage dumping across Pune

PMC Solid Waste Management Chief Sandip Kadam, He assured us that they will take steps to address the issue.


Introduction


Illegal waste burning and dumping has become the norm across Pune. Toxic fumes from burning trash are polluting the environment, causing health concerns, and endangering the lives of citizens.


This problem plagues the entire city – from highways to residential zones, everything is  turning into illegal dumping grounds. Despite numerous complaints from residents and environmental activists, municipal authorities have failed to improve waste management at the source. This leaves scrap vendors with no choice but to burn the leftover waste.


With the onset of the winters, the air becomes denser, and therefore pollutants from burning trash remain suspended in the air for longer, deteriorating the air quality. Pune, has over the last few weeks witnessed poor air quality on numerous occasions. 


The National Green Tribunal (NGT), in its order dated May 29, 2024, directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to review garbage burning measures monthly and upload reports on its website for public awareness. However, the Solid Waste Management Department has only uploaded one action plan since May, failing to meet the NGT’s requirement on transparency.


Despite promises that were a part of PMC’s Action plan which was uploaded on their website on December 17, 2024, a lot of issues remain unresolved till date. Information about mobile squads that respond to open waste burning complaints is not readily available. Garbage burning often occurs in the evenings and late at night, reiterating the requirement for more effective nighttime vigilance. The PMC claims to have increased the fine on open-burning tenfold, from INR 500 to INR 5000, however implementation remains poor.


We urge the municipal corporation to take swift action to ensure effective waste management in the city. Response time to address complaints must be minimised, phone numbers of mobile squads should be publicly available and monthly reports and actions taken on open waste burning must be published on the PMC website.


These measures will ensure open burning of waste and illegal dumping becomes a thing of the past!


Sources:


1,850 of 5,000 signatures