Pune: Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS Stage Protest over Moshi WTE Plant Deaths
Pimpri Chinchwad, 16th July 2026: Leaders and workers of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Wednesday staged a sit-in protest outside the entrance to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) general body hall, demanding action against those responsible for the Moshi waste-to-energy (WTE) plant tragedy that claimed nine workers’ lives.
The protesters raised slogans and blocked the entrance to the civic body’s general meeting, alleging that the collapse of the unauthorised G+2 administrative building at the Moshi waste depot was the result of administrative negligence and corruption rather than an accident.
The opposition leaders demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, criminal action against the officials and contractors responsible, rehabilitation of the victims’ families, and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of each of the deceased workers. They also sought substantial financial assistance for the injured.
MNS city president Sachin Chikhale alleged that the incident amounted to culpable homicide and questioned who had permitted the unauthorised structure and why work continued despite the garbage mound being in a dangerous condition. Congress city president Narendra Bansode demanded that culpable homicide and murder charges be filed against the responsible PCMC officials, while Shiv Sena (UBT) city chief Chetan Pawar reiterated the demand for an SIT inquiry and strict action against those responsible.
Maruti Bhapkar said the efforts of the fire brigade, disaster management teams and the Indian Army had saved 15 people trapped under the debris, but stressed that the tragedy was preventable and warned of intensified protests if the administration failed to ensure accountability and rehabilitation.
