Pune: CPCB Seeks Action-Taken Report on Alleged Waste Burning in NIBM Annexe Area

Pune, 16th December 2025: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has asked the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to take prompt action and submit an action-taken report regarding a complaint alleging illegal dumping and burning of garbage in the NIBM Annexe–Mohammadwadi area of Pune.

The complaint was filed by civil rights activist Jaymala Dhankikar, who has alleged that large quantities of mixed waste are being dumped daily on land reserved for economically weaker sections and later set on fire. According to her, the practice has led to the release of toxic fumes and has raised serious health concerns for residents living nearby.

Dhankikar claimed that the dumping is not sporadic but systematic. “This is not a one-off incident. Garbage is being brought in regularly in tractor-loads and burned openly, despite repeated objections from residents,” she said.

She further alleged lapses on the part of the Pune Municipal Corporation’s solid waste management department and named solid waste management officer Suraj Admane, accusing him of failing to act despite repeated complaints.

“Photographs and other evidence were submitted, but no effective steps were taken to stop the dumping or the burning,” she alleged.

Raising concerns over the conduct of civic staff, Dhankikar said residents were often met with resistance when they questioned the activity. “Vehicles move in without any obstruction, and when people raise objections, they are either ignored or spoken to discourteously. This suggests a possible nexus between contractors, influential individuals and officials,” she said.

She also alleged that individuals with political and financial influence were using the land as an informal dumping site without fear of legal consequences. “If such dumping had taken place in a less influential area, action would have followed immediately. Here, the response has been negligible,” she claimed.

Calling the matter a serious environmental offence, Dhankikar demanded stringent legal action. “This goes beyond violations of solid waste management rules. It should be treated as organised environmental crime. An FIR should be registered, and if necessary, central agencies should investigate the financial aspects behind this activity,” she said.

Residents of Mohammadwadi and NIBM Annexe have echoed similar concerns, citing frequent fires, persistent foul smell and an increase in respiratory problems. Locals allege that repeated complaints to civic authorities have not resulted in any lasting solution.

In its communication, the CPCB has sought a detailed report from the MPCB on the steps taken to address the issue, including action against those responsible for illegal dumping and open burning of waste.