A fire at the garbage transfer unit in Balewadi on Tuesday night has triggered panic among residents, who have raised serious concerns over safety and waste management practices at the facility. Sensing the situation, activists and politicians have urged the civic administration to strengthen monitoring at the site, install CCTV cameras and deploy round-the-clock security.
Location and incident details
The garbage transfer unit is located near the plot earmarked for PMPML along the Katraj-Dehu Road Bypass. Activists and local residents rushed to the spot after the fire broke out. Shivam Balwadkar, activist and coordinator of the BJP Yuva Morcha, said, 'After the fire broke out, we rushed to the spot and found nobody there. We eventually called up the fire department. The situation was challenging, and a major tragedy was narrowly averted. We cannot allow such incidents to recur.'
Safety lapses exposed
Balwadkar said the fire exposed several lapses in safety and security at the facility. Given that the site handles daily waste collection from the Baner-Balewadi area, proper monitoring was essential. 'At present, the unit functions in an open space, without any shed. We have demanded that the administration construct a shed, install a gate around the facility and appoint security personnel,' he added.
Broader waste management issues
Residents have also highlighted broader issues with garbage management in Balewadi. Resident Atul Gholap said incidents of unattended garbage being set on fire are still frequent. 'This is largely due to the lack of an efficient system for clearing waste from open spaces. The civic administration must increase the number of garbage collection vans and ensure regular pickup from both open areas and housing societies,' Gholap said.
The fire incident has underscored the urgent need for improved safety protocols and waste management infrastructure in the area. Activists are calling for immediate action to prevent any recurrence of such hazardous events.
