Pune: Garbage Dumping and Burning on Private Plot Raises Health Concerns in Mohammadwadi
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi & Priyanshu Banerjee
Pune, 6th November 2026: Residents of Gagan Ela Society and a nearby basti in the NIBM Road–Mohammadwadi area have raised concerns over the alleged continuous dumping and burning of garbage on a private open plot near Royal Heritage Mall, close to Ishrat Baug. Residents claim that smoke from the burning waste is affecting air quality and causing breathing difficulties among people living in the surrounding areas.
The open plot, located near Royal Heritage Mall on NIBM Road, has reportedly turned into a dumping ground, with large quantities of mixed waste scattered across the premises. Photographs from the site show heaps of garbage and smoke rising from several spots. Residents allege that waste is dumped and burnt regularly, causing pollution in the neighbourhood.
According to residents, the waste allegedly includes biomedical waste, electronic waste (e-waste) and other potentially hazardous materials. They fear that burning such waste could release toxic fumes, posing health risks, particularly to children and elderly people. A nearby basti is also reportedly affected due to its proximity to the plot.
Sadik Pathan, a committee member of Gagan Ela Society, said residents had been facing difficulties due to smoke from the garbage burning. He has sought support in bringing the matter to the attention of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and suggested a meeting involving committee members and residents of Runwal Society to discuss possible solutions.
The issue has also been raised through the PMC’s grievance redressal system. A complaint was registered on October 27, 2026, under token number PC51088, with the category listed as ‘Burning of Garbage’. The complaint specifically refers to the alleged daily burning of biomedical waste and other garbage. According to the complaint record, its status was ‘In Process’.
Residents further alleged that garbage continued to accumulate inside the plot even after the landowner blocked the access road. They questioned the lack of regular monitoring and called for clarity on the responsibilities of the private landowner and civic authorities in preventing illegal dumping and burning.
Social activists Aftab Raza, Sadik Pathan, Khalid Parker and Pankaj Awaghate have also raised concerns over the situation and demanded immediate intervention.
Aftab Raza said, “Private ownership of the land cannot come at the cost of public health. The PMC and the landowner must take responsibility for ensuring that garbage is removed and burning is stopped.”
Sadik Pathan said, “Residents of Gagan Ela and the nearby basti are suffering because of the smoke coming from the open plot. Children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable. We have already raised the issue with the authorities, but a permanent solution is needed.”
Khalid Parker said, “The dumping and burning of waste, particularly if it includes biomedical and electronic waste, is a serious environmental and public health concern. The authorities must inspect the site and identify those responsible.”
Pankaj Awaghate said, “Blocking the access road is not a solution when garbage continues to accumulate inside the plot. The landowner and the PMC must ensure that the premises are properly maintained and that further dumping does not take place.”
Residents have demanded an immediate inspection of the site, removal and scientific disposal of the accumulated waste, and strict action against those responsible for illegal dumping and burning. They have also urged the PMC to coordinate with the landowner and introduce regular monitoring to prevent the plot from becoming a recurring environmental and public health hazard.
