Residents of Phursungi and Urali Devachi in Pune have demanded an immediate halt to open dumping of waste at the local garbage depot. They are pressing authorities to adopt scientific methods for bio-mining to dispose of the accumulated garbage. The residents also oppose the establishment of any additional waste processing plant in the area, expressing dissatisfaction with the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) current waste management efforts.
Residents' Grievances
Since last month, residents have been communicating with PMC officials to address lapses in waste handling at the depot. Local resident Amol Karpe stated that a letter was sent to PMC on May 11 highlighting various issues. Although civic officials conducted site visits last month, the situation on the ground has not improved. The residents also approached the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) in late May, urging the use of scientific methods for bio-mining at the site.
Karpe added, "Residents do not want any additional garbage processing plant in Phursungi. The civic administration should not ignore our demands. We have already faced many problems due to open dumping of waste. We also want close monitoring of the ongoing bio-mining process."
Previous Agitation
In the last week of May, residents held a day-long agitation at the garbage depot to raise their concerns. Another resident, Santosh Harpale, highlighted that people face numerous problems because of open dumping, leading to increased pollution of all kinds. "Residents will continue to oppose open dumping of waste," he said.
PMC's Response
A PMC official stated that steps are being taken to complete bio-mining activities in the next few years. Instructions have been issued to prevent open dumping of waste at the site.
