Open Garbage Dumping Remains a Challenge in Pune; PMC Takes Action Against 5,500 Offenders

Pune, 11th February 2025: Despite continuous efforts by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to curb open garbage dumping, the issue persists across the city. In January alone, PMC took action against 5,500 individuals for littering and dumping waste in public spaces. However, citizens argue that these measures have not significantly reduced the problem.

According to official data, an average of 180 cases per day were registered last month, with offenders being penalized for disposing of domestic and construction waste in open areas. The most affected wards included Hadapsar (1,035 cases), Dhankawadi-Sahakarnagar (750 cases), and Kondhwa-Yewalewadi (460 cases).

PMC officials stated that they are intensifying surveillance at chronic garbage dumping sites to prevent waste accumulation. “We have identified areas where dumping is frequent and are deploying teams to monitor and clear waste regularly,” a senior official from PMC’s solid waste management department said. “People need to cooperate by handing over their waste to collection vans instead of discarding it in the open.”

To address the issue, squads from all ward offices have been instructed to conduct frequent inspections at these chronic spots. Officials believe that continuous waste collection will act as a deterrent. “If waste is removed promptly, people will be discouraged from dumping again,” the official added.

In addition to cracking down on garbage dumping, PMC also imposed fines on 230 individuals for spitting and 900 for urinating in public places. Additionally, over 15 people were penalized for setting waste on fire.

While PMC urges citizens to follow proper waste disposal methods, many residents feel that the corporation’s waste management system is incomplete. Suresh Kulkarni, a resident of Gokhalenagar, pointed out a significant gap in dry waste collection. “Wet waste is collected daily, but there is no structured system for disposing of dry waste like old furniture or household items. This forces people to dump them in open areas,” he said.

PMC’s health inspectors acknowledged this concern, stating that while they remove garbage regularly, residents must also play their part in maintaining cleanliness. “The problem is that waste dumping starts again as soon as we clear a site,” a health inspector explained.

With stricter monitoring, penal actions, and increased awareness, PMC hopes to tackle the garbage menace more effectively. However, a sustainable long-term solution will require both citizen participation and improved waste management policies.