Pune: Residents Demand Crackdown on Illegal Garbage Dumping, Accountability of PMC Officials After Fire Near NIBM Annexe

Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Kondhwa, 15th December 2025: Residents of Krushna Nagar near NIBM Annexe have demanded strict action against illegal garbage dumping, burning of waste, and accountability of Pune Municipal Corporation officials after a fire broke out on Friday, allegedly triggered by routinely dumped and burnt garbage behind the residential area. Citizens have also sought regular patrolling and stronger enforcement by the PMC’s Solid Waste Management Department to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Illegal garbage dumping and open burning behind NIBM Annexe sparked panic among locals on Friday, once again exposing serious lapses in civic oversight. According to residents, three to four garbage tankers regularly dump waste illegally at the site. After dumping, the garbage is allegedly set on fire, releasing thick smoke and causing severe air pollution in the area.

Locals said the smoke has led to frequent health issues, including eye irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulties, especially among children and senior citizens. Despite repeated complaints over the past several weeks, residents alleged that no preventive measures were taken to stop the dumping and burning.

A local complainant claimed that several complaints were made to Suraj Admane, a PMC Solid Waste Management officer, but the issue continued unchecked. The complainant further alleged that the response from the official was dismissive, adding to residents’ frustration.

The situation escalated on Friday when the accumulated garbage caught fire, spreading flames and smoke near the residential settlement. Following repeated calls and sustained pressure from residents, Navnath Shelar, Solid Waste Management Officer of Hadapsar Ward, intervened and arranged for a fire brigade. The fire was subsequently brought under control, averting a major mishap.

Condemning the incident, Jaymala Dhankikar, BJP member and social activist, criticised the civic administration for failing to act in time.
“Illegal dumping and burning of garbage in a residential area is a serious failure of civic responsibility. Such incidents put public health and the environment at risk. The PMC must take strict action against those involved and ensure this does not happen again,” she said.

Confirming the action taken, Navnath Shelar said that immediate steps were initiated once the complaint reached him.

“After receiving a call from the concerned madam, I immediately sent the fire brigade and the fire was controlled. I will speak to the concerned officer and ensure appropriate action is taken. I apologise for the inconvenience caused to residents,” he said.

Residents have now demanded firm action against illegal garbage tanker operators, clear accountability of PMC officials responsible for monitoring the area, and regular patrolling to prevent illegal dumping and burning. Locals warned that if the problem persists, they will be forced to escalate the matter through protests and higher authorities.

The incident has once again highlighted gaps in solid waste management enforcement in Pune, raising questions about monitoring mechanisms and the need for stronger civic oversight to safeguard public health and the environment.