From Kharadi to Kothrud: Pune Residents Raise Alarm Over Poor Waste Management
Garbage thrown on Kharadi bypass road
Reported by Kajal Bhukan
Pune, 24th May 2025: Uncollected garbage and mounting waste piles have become a daily nuisance in several Pune neighbourhoods, including Karvenagar, Pashan, and Kharadi, sparking public outcry over the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) waste management system.
Stray dogs rummaging through trash, the stench of decaying waste, and blocked pathways have turned routine commutes into an ordeal. Residents are calling for the installation of designated waste collection tanks and a fixed garbage collection schedule to combat the worsening situation.
Ganesh Santosh Vyas, a Karvenagar resident, expressed frustration over the PMC’s irregular waste collection services.
“The PMC vehicle rarely shows up, so we’re forced to rely on private vendors who charge ₹700–800 a month—too expensive for many, including me. Those who can’t afford it end up dumping waste near the bus stand. We’ve complained multiple times, but no action has been taken,” Vyas said.
Amar Raj, who manages a paying guest (PG) facility in Shahu Colony near the Karvenagar bus stand, echoed the sentiment:
“There are numerous PG accommodations here that require daily waste collection. The erratic schedule of PMC’s waste vehicles compels us to turn to private services, which isn’t always feasible.”
Students, too, have voiced their concerns.
“Every morning, I walk past the Karvenagar bus stand and see heaps of garbage openly dumped. The smell is unbearable, and stray animals are always around. There’s no proper system in place,” said Sonali Tiwari, a commuter who travels daily to FC Road.
In response to rising complaints, PMC’s Solid Waste Management Department has undertaken several initiatives. These include the Swachhta Hi Seva 2024 campaign and a mega cleaning drive from December 9 to 14, 2024. Additionally, 18 new waste collection vehicles have been deployed to enhance waste disposal efficiency.
The department claims it collected ₹1.94 crore in fines in 2024 from 38,547 violations involving illegal dumping, burning of garbage, improper waste segregation, and public littering.
Still, civic activists argue that infrastructure and enforcement remain grossly inadequate.
“Segregation of wet and dry waste is essential, but neither the PMC nor residents are adhering to it. The PMC is failing in its core responsibility, particularly in areas like Karvenagar,” said Vivek Velankar of Sajag Nagrik Manch.
Similar issues plague Ubalenagar and the Kharadi Bypass Road, where garbage routinely spills onto already congested streets. Locals allege that residents unwilling to pay PMC’s nominal ₹80 monthly collection fee often throw trash from moving vehicles.
“The stench is intolerable, and garbage often ends up on the road, affecting traffic. Installing proper waste tanks would greatly help,” said daily commuter Vishal Raut.
Plastic bags, food wrappers, and empty bottles regularly litter the streets, worsening the situation.
“People dump garbage from their vehicles or leave it in bulk on the roadside. It’s disheartening and poses serious health risks. The PMC must act more aggressively,” said Archana Bhujbal, a college student.
Despite the citywide efforts of SWaCH, a cooperative of 4,000–4,500 self-employed waste collectors who offer door-to-door services for ₹85 per flat, many residents remain unaware of or refuse to pay the official PMC fee.
A PMC sanitation worker, who wished to remain anonymous, described the daily struggles:
“People throw all kinds of waste—plastic, food, dead animals—despite our presence. We often face verbal abuse when we try to intervene. Segregating such waste is extremely difficult. Stricter enforcement is crucial.”
Citizens and commuters are now urging the PMC to launch sustained public awareness campaigns, streamline waste collection operations, and impose tougher penalties on violators.
When contacted, Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of the PMC’s Solid Waste Management Department, said he had not received any formal complaints regarding waste dumping near the Karvenagar bus stand but would alert the ward officer. On the situation in Kharadi, he acknowledged being unaware but assured a follow-up investigation.
