Pune Municipal Commissioner Cracks Down on Negligence, Issues Show Cause Notices to 80 Employees

Pune, 20th December 2023: In a bid to address the rising concerns over cleanliness in Pune, Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar has taken stringent action against health inspectors and divisional health inspectors who have been found lacking in their duties. Approximately 80 individuals have been served show cause notices, questioning their inaction and neglect towards maintaining cleanliness in their respective areas.

Over the past two and a half months, the municipal authorities have taken action against more than 18 thousand unruly citizens, resulting in the collection of fines amounting to 72 lakh 43 thousand rupees. Despite these efforts, the city faces challenges in achieving a higher rank in the Central Government’s Swachh Bharat Mission, with increasing incidents of open dumping of waste, burning of refuse, spitting of Paan, gutka, and a lack of waste separation.

While the municipal corporation has invested in manpower and vehicles to enhance waste collection, there remains a persistent issue of open garbage piles, especially in the suburbs. The open dumping of leftover food from street vendors has contributed to a foul stench in several areas, prompting action from the authorities.

Municipal Commissioner Kumar expressed his concern, stating, “It has been observed that health inspectors within the municipality are not addressing unsanitary conditions adequately. In response, show cause notices have been issued to around 80 individuals, asking them to explain their lack of action. Strict orders have been given to enhance efforts in tackling this issue.”

The show cause notices are targeted at areas where unsanitary conditions are notably high, signaling a crackdown on negligence. The municipal administration aims to strengthen its resolve in achieving a higher ranking in the Swachh Bharat Mission, emphasizing citizen participation to overcome challenges related to public cleanliness.

In addition to the notices, the municipal authorities have taken penal action against polluters, collecting fines as follows:

– October: Receipt – 6860, Amount of penalty – Rs 26,93,550
– November: Receipt – 5027, Amount of penalty – Rs 18,82,460
– December (up to 19th): Receipt – 6371, Amount of penalty – Rs 26,67,138

The total fines collected during this period amount to 72,43,148 rupees.