Pune: Protest Erupts At MCA Cricket Stadium Against Punawale Garbage Depot During Australia vs Bangladesh Match

Varad Bhatkhande

Gahunje, 11th November 2023: While the MCA Cricket Stadium hosted the Australia vs Bangladesh cricket match today, a demonstration took place against the proposed Punawale Garbage Depot for Solid Waste Management. Australia emerged victorious, defeating Bangladesh by 8 wickets with 32 balls left.

However, the match gained attention beyond the cricketing action due to the protest done by Punawale native resident Atul Kate.

Residents in Punawale are expressing concern over the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s decision to construct a solid waste management project in their vicinity. Punawale, with a population exceeding 100,000, has witnessed substantial urbanization, attracting residents with its natural surroundings and proximity to the Hinjawadi IT Park. The proposed waste management project, situated just 200 to 400 meters from residential societies, has raised significant apprehensions.

Originally approved in 2008 when the area was less developed, the project’s impact is now feared to be severe due to subsequent housing projects, educational institutions, and hospitals. Residents are worried about the environmental consequences and potential loss of natural beauty, especially given the project’s proximity to a forest. Concerns about water pollution affecting nearby irrigation further amplify the opposition.

The Punawale Residents Group and Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Society Federation jointly organized a bike rally and chipko movement in Punawale on November 5th. The protest garnered support not only from Punawale residents but also from neighbouring regions like Hinjawadi, Wakad, Ravet, etc.

Capitalizing on the high visibility of cricket matches, the protester Kate displayed banners in the stadium during the Australia vs Bangladesh match. The banners conveyed messages such as “By cutting Punawale trees, won’t the environment be affected? What is the benefit to the people of Pimpri-Chinchwad city of planting trees in Chandrapur?” and “Say no to the garbage depot.”