Pune News: PMC Fines Over 5000 for Garbage Dumping; Increases Monitoring at Chronic Hotspots
File photo for representation
Fines were imposed for occurrences of both domestic and construction trash being deposited in open spaces.
The problem of open garbage dumping persists in the city, with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) citing 5500 offenders in January for littering and inappropriate waste disposal. Fines were issued for occurrences of both domestic and construction rubbish being deposited in open spaces. Despite these efforts, locals claim that littering is still an issue, particularly on roadsides and in areas where waste is dumped on a regular basis.
According to PMC’s solid waste management department, they are enhancing surveillance at these trouble sites to solve the continuous problem of waste accumulation. In January, the city recorded an average of 180 occurrences of unlawful rubbish dumping every day. Hadapsar had the most cases, with 1,035 infractions, followed by Dhankawadi-Sahakarnagar (750) and Kondhwa-Yeolewadi (460).
PMC authorities stated that, while action has been done, the problem persists, and individuals are encouraged to use authorized garbage collection vans rather than disposing of waste in public places. Squads have been directed to make frequent trips to chronic dumping sites, and ongoing rubbish collection is being emphasized to discourage further illegal dumping.
In addition to waste dumping fines, PMC punished 230 people for spitting and 900 for urinating in public places in January. Over 15 people received fines for setting rubbish on fire. PMC health inspectors underlined the need of community assistance in maintaining cleanliness, adding that rubbish dumping frequently resurfaces shortly after areas have been cleansed.
Some people, however, have expressed worry over PMC’s lack of an effective system for collecting dry waste. While wet garbage is regularly collected, homeowners claim that there is no adequate disposal system for objects such as old furniture and household goods, which frequently results in dumping.
