Hundreds of privately operated scrap yards scattered across industrial pockets and villages surrounding Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) areas in Pune district are emerging as a significant public safety hazard. Recurring fire incidents have exposed glaring gaps in regulation, fire safety compliance, and official oversight.
Uncontrolled Growth of Scrap Yards
These scrap yards, operating on privately owned plots, have mushroomed over the years around industrial belts such as Chakan, Bhosari, Talegaon, Ranjangaon, and Solu-Markal. While these businesses generate substantial rental income for landowners and provide employment to scrap collectors, authorities admit that there is little accountability regarding the materials stored, processed, or discarded at these facilities.
Recent Fire Incident Highlights Dangers
A fire that broke out at a scrap yard in Dhanore village near the Solu-Markal MIDC area on June 2 once again brought the issue into sharp focus. Two vehicles, including a tempo, were destroyed, and scrap material worth nearly Rs 50 lakh was reduced to ashes. Firefighters from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation battled the blaze for more than three hours before bringing it under control.
“The most dangerous aspect of scrap-yard fires is the unpredictability of the material stored there. We often have no idea what is present inside these heaps of scrap. In this incident, three LPG cylinders were found at the site, significantly increasing the intensity of the fire. Such situations are extremely risky for firefighters,” a senior fire brigade officer told TOI.
MIDC's Limited Jurisdiction
MIDC distanced itself from the operation of such units. “We have not allotted any MIDC plot for scrap-yard activities anywhere in the district. Our jurisdiction is confined to MIDC-owned land. However, such establishments can certainly pose safety threats to nearby industries. If complaints are received, we will raise the issue with the district administration,” said Kalidas Bhandekar, chief engineer of MIDC.
Living Conditions Amplify Risks
The danger extends far beyond property losses. Many scrap yards employ migrant labourers and scrap collectors who often reside in makeshift sheds erected within the premises. “Cooking arrangements, LPG cylinders, temporary electrical connections, and large stockpiles of plastic, rubber, tyres, chemicals, and industrial waste create conditions ripe for a major disaster,” a fire brigade official said on condition of anonymity.
Residents and Industry Fear Catastrophe
Residents living near these facilities fear that a major blaze could quickly spread to nearby houses, warehouses, fuel depots, and industrial units. Fire officials said narrow approach roads, lack of water sources, and the absence of mandatory firefighting equipment further complicate emergency response efforts.
“The cascading effect of these incidents could result in a major tragedy. No authority has ever paid adequate attention to this business, nor is it properly regulated. It is a serious concern for industrial units because these shops operate in proximity to them. If anything goes wrong, industries in the vicinity could also suffer. Therefore, authorities need to regulate these establishments to avert future tragedies,” said a senior office-bearer of the Chakan Industrial Federation.
Call for Action
“With industrial expansion continuing across Pune district, safety experts warn that unless authorities undertake a comprehensive survey, licensing drive, and enforcement campaign against unauthorised scrap operations, the next fire could have consequences far more devastating than property damage alone,” said Mahesh Bhiware, a Chakan-based lawyer and activist.
TOI’s calls to district collector Jitendra Dudi went unanswered. The lack of response underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to address this growing threat.
