Pune: Mahaluge Bio-Waste Site Fire Continues for Days, Residents Complain of Smoke and Poor Air Quality

Mahalunge, 14th October 2026: Residents of Sarathi Skybay Society in Mahaluge have raised concerns over smoke from a fire at a bio-waste management site near the local crematorium, which they say has been smouldering for the past two days. Despite efforts by the fire brigade to bring the blaze under control, the fire reportedly reignited, leaving residents exposed to persistent smoke.

Residents have claimed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the area has reached around 500, raising concerns about the potential impact on public health. They have demanded that the bio-waste management facility be relocated away from residential areas.

According to residents, the fire has generated thick smoke, making it difficult to breathe in the surrounding neighbourhood. They have expressed particular concern for children, senior citizens and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions, who may be more vulnerable to the effects of smoke exposure.

Residents seek permanent solution

Residents have lodged complaints with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the fire brigade. The authorities have been working to extinguish the fire and bring the situation under control. However, the reported recurrence of the blaze after initial firefighting efforts has heightened concerns among residents.

They have called for the fire to be completely extinguished and for preventive measures to be implemented to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Demand relocation of bio-waste facility

Residents of Sarathi Skybay Society have
demanded that the waste at the site be safely removed and the bio-waste management facility shifted away from residential neighbourhoods, citing the direct impact of the smoke on nearby households.

They said that extinguishing the fire alone would not resolve the issue and called for safe waste disposal practices, measures to prevent fires from recurring, and regular monitoring of air quality in the area.

Residents have urged the municipal administration to intervene urgently and implement a permanent solution to address their health and environmental concerns.