Pune: PCMC Faces Scrutiny Over Waste Management Practices

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 16th January 2025: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued conditional directions to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) regarding its solid waste management practices, particularly focusing on methane emissions and legacy waste at the Moshi Garbage Depot. This action comes in response to a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order and subsequent investigations into methane hotspots in India.
The MPCB has ordered PCMC to halt the dumping of fresh municipal solid waste at the site and submit a time-bound action plan for biomining legacy waste. PCMC must also install methane detector systems, implement fire prevention measures, and conduct regular methane monitoring.
The MPCB’s directions also include:
– Installing gas collection and utilization systems for energy or flaring methane
– Implementing leakage detection and repair systems
– Initiating biomining of waste dumped during the COVID-19 period
– Installing solid waste processing plants to treat 100% of generated waste
In response to these directives, PCMC Chief Engineer Sanjay Kulkarni, stated, “Biomedical waste from the Corona period was not taken to the Moshi waste depot. This waste has been processed and disposed of in the unit of YCM Hospital.” He added that biomining methods have been implemented for a year to process waste and that the MPCB should gather more information before issuing notices.
PCMC has been given 15 days to submit a bank guarantee of Rs. 2 lakhs and provide a detailed action plan addressing these issues. Failure to comply may result in further legal action by the MPCB.
Garbage Crisis in Pimpri Chinchwad
The garbage in PCMC is primarily dumped at the Moshi depot, which has reached capacity after 30 years of use. The proposed Punawale Garbage Depot was scrapped by the Maharashtra Government in December 2023 due to strong opposition from local residents. Currently, there is no confirmed alternative site for garbage dumping in PCMC, and the civic body is struggling to find a new location.
Meanwhile, Moshi residents are facing severe environmental and health issues due to the overflowing dump. They endure foul odours, respiratory problems, water contamination, and an increased presence of stray dogs. The situation has become a major concern for the rapidly growing neighbourhood, with toxic chemicals from the waste continuing to pollute the air and soil.