Snatching, Drinking, Stray Dogs: Complaints Mount Near Pune-Solapur Road Waste Hub

Hadapsar, 14th August 2025: A Pune citizen has written to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), and Pune City Police, raising serious concerns over health hazards, safety issues, and infrastructure problems caused by the waste transfer and processing centre located along the Kalubai Chowk–Industrial Estate route on Pune–Solapur Road in Hadapsar Industrial Estate.

In his letter dated August 9, complainant Rupesh Kesekar said the waste collected via bell carts is transferred to larger vehicles at the site. During this process, garbage often spills onto the road, emitting foul odours from rotten waste. Leachate from garbage carts makes the road slippery, posing a risk to motorists and pedestrians.

Kesekar pointed out that the constant movement of heavy vehicles has damaged the road, and the lack of adequate street lighting has created unsafe conditions, especially during evenings and nights. “Taking advantage of the darkness, some people drink alcohol on the streets, sometimes leading to fights. Incidents of snatching mobile phones and wallets have also become routine, but victims avoid lodging police complaints,” the letter stated.

Public Safety Concerns
The complaint highlights women’s safety as a key concern. “From a women’s safety point of view also, the authorities must act fast,” said Poonam Punjabi. Workers commuting to the industrial estate reportedly face difficulties, and the presence of stray dogs adds to the problem.

Demands Raised in the Complaint
Kesekar has urged authorities to take immediate measures, including:
Spraying disinfectants and bleaching powder regularly on the road.
Improving street lighting from Kalubai Chowk to Industrial Estate.
Controlling the stray dog population.
Repairing the damaged road.
Installing CCTV cameras along the road and at the waste transfer centre entrance.
Taking action against miscreants consuming alcohol on the street.
Setting up a new police post in the area, or until then, ensuring regular police patrolling.

The complainant has requested that action taken on the matter be communicated to him within 15 days.

Residents are now awaiting a response from PMC, PCB, and the Pune Police, as the area’s industrial and residential growth continues to increase the urgency for effective solutions.