Pune: Bhavani Peth Becomes PMC’s Scrap Dumping Ground; Residents Struggle For Their Basic Right To Breathe Good-Quality Air

Anaum Shaikh

Bhavani Peth, 10th September 2023: The residents of Dharamveer Daware Chowk in Bhavani Peth have been dealing with an alarming amount of garbage accumulating on their main road. Ironically, the area has become Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) garbage disposal site.

The pile of scrap has made it difficult for both vehicles and pedestrians to navigate the main road. The heap emits a foul odour and creates an unsightly environment. This situation infringes upon the citizens’ basic right to live and breathe in a clean environment.

Satyajit Gudge, a frustrated resident of the area, stated, “We’ve been grappling with this foulness for a year now. The stench is unbearable, and the road is impassable. I’ve reached out to PMC several times. Initially, I contacted PMC through their toll-free number, where I was directed to register a complaint on their website. A couple of days after registering on the website, I received a call from PMC, informing me that they were closing my complaint due to a shortage of workforce and suggested that the neighborhood residents each contribute Rs. 100 to pay the garbage collectors for removal. Our neighborhood also includes families who would struggle to afford an additional Rs. 100, causing financial strain. What about them? Don’t they deserve a clean environment? Furthermore, the reason for the garbage piling up is that PMC’s scrap collection vans unloading the collected scrap for sorting but leaving behind a pile of scrap every day. PMC itself is the primary cause of this nuisance.”

He added, “After my complaint was closed without resolving the problem, I began emailing PMC directly and Asha Raut, the former Head of Solid Waste Management, but so far, my efforts have been in vain. We don’t know what to do now. We have no idea whom to turn to for help. Therefore, we appeal to the media to shed light on this issue and create a healthier and safer environment for us.”

When Punekar News raised the issue with Sandip Kadam, the head of Solid Waste Management, he responded, “I’ve just been transferred to this department. While the area serves as a garbage sorting ground, I will investigate this matter. I’m forwarding the details to the PSI, and we will have the pile removed. Please don’t worry.”

This response from PMC brings a glimmer of hope to the residents of Dharamveer Daware Chowk. Once the dumping ground is cleared, it will create a fresher atmosphere for the people of Bhavani Peth.