Pune: PCMC to Enhance Garbage Collection Timings, Focus on 80 Key Spots

Pimpri Chinchwad, 6th January 2025: With the removal of garbage bins in Pimpri-Chinchwad, many citizens have resorted to dumping waste in open spaces, creating sanitation issues across the city. To address this, the Health Department has identified 80 problem areas across eight ward offices and launched initiatives to combat the problem, including stricter enforcement and beautification projects.

Assistant Commissioner Ajinkya Yele stated, “We are committed to making Pimpri-Chinchwad a garbage-free city. The identified 80 locations will be cleaned and beautified as part of this initiative.”

The department plans to adjust the timings of bell garbage collection vehicles in these areas and increase their frequency. Additionally, beautification efforts will be undertaken at these 80 locations to deter open dumping. Penal action will also be taken against citizens found dumping garbage in public spaces.

As part of its preparations for the annual Swachh Survekshan (Cleanliness Survey) conducted by the Central Government, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is taking proactive measures to improve sanitation across the city. The Central Government team is expected to visit in February to assess cleanliness in slums, markets, residential settlements, public toilets, and roads.

The Health Department has assigned specific responsibilities to officers and employees for monitoring ten locations under each regional office. This targeted approach aims to ensure cleanliness in these areas and reduce waste dumping in open spaces.

“Despite these measures, if anyone is found dumping waste in the open, penal action will be taken against them,” warned the Health Department.

In addition to tackling waste management, the PCMC is addressing the lack of accessible public toilets, particularly on major roads and internal streets. Citizens, especially women, face difficulties due to insufficient toilet facilities.

To address this, the Health Department has directed petrol pump operators to ensure their toilets are open and maintained for public use. A letter will be issued to all operators in the city, requesting compliance within a month. Following this period, inspections will be conducted, and notices will be issued to operators failing to keep their toilets functional and hygienic.