Pune: Residents Protest Against Hadapsar Garbage Plant, Demand Relocation
Pune, 18th November 2024: Over 200 residents from neighborhoods such as Sopanbaug, Udaybaug, BT Kawade Road, Hadapsar, and Ghorpadi gathered on Sunday to protest against the ongoing air pollution and foul odor emanating from the garbage processing plant in Hadapsar. The plant, operated by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), has been a source of frustration and health concerns for years, according to the residents.
Adding to their woes is another waste processing unit managed by the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), located nearby. Residents claim that both facilities contribute significantly to air pollution and poor hygiene in the area.
“We’ve been living with this unbearable stench for far too long. The foul odor and pollutants from the garbage plant are impacting our health. While we pay taxes, we are not receiving basic amenities that ensure our well-being”, said a resident of Udaybaug.
The protest, organized by the Residents’ Forum of Udaybaug, Sopanbaug, and Ghorpadi, called for the immediate relocation of both garbage plants. Many participants reported health issues such as respiratory problems, persistent coughs, and even heart conditions, which they attributed to the pollution caused by the plants.
The residents said respiratory ailments have become alarmingly common here. “We’ve been raising this issue for years, but no one listens. With assembly elections around the corner, we’re appealing to candidates to prioritize this issue if they want our votes. We need a permanent solution”, they said.
Residents expressed their anger at the civic authorities, accusing both the PMC and PCB of ignoring their complaints.
The Hadapsar garbage processing plant is one of the largest in Pune, handling approximately 200-250 tonnes of waste daily. Despite repeated appeals over the years, little progress has been made to address residents’ concerns. In 2021, PMC officials claimed that the smell originated from the PCB’s nearby wet waste unit rather than their plant and assured residents they would investigate the matter. However, no significant action has been taken since.
