Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has successfully disposed of nearly 2.34 lakh metric tonnes of construction and demolition debris since January this year, averting potential pollution of river beds and open grounds in the city. In an effort to expand this service, the PMC plans to add more vehicles to facilitate the disposal process. Asha Raut, the head of PMC’s solid waste management department, expressed the intention to promote the debris transport service on a larger scale, while taking stern action against individuals who illegally dump debris in public areas.
PMC officials revealed that a penalty of Rs 25,000 is imposed on those found guilty of dumping debris in public places, with the civic administration charging Rs 1,250 per metric tonne of waste for smaller quantities. The data provided by the PMC indicates that its debris collection vehicles made 10,151 trips between January and the present. In order to enhance accessibility for citizens, the PMC plans to establish ten centres across municipal areas for the scientific disposal of debris. These centres will be supervised and secured to prevent inconvenience to nearby residents.
To ensure compliance with regulations, the PMC collects transportation charges from developers when granting building permissions, and conducts cross-verifications to ascertain whether the debris was disposed of correctly before issuing completion certificates. Activists, however, believe that a 24×7 monitoring system is necessary to prevent debris dumping in public places. Vijay Kumbhar from the citizens’ group Surajya Sangharsh Samiti alleges that some civic officials collude with private contractors and developers, allowing illegal dumping to go unchecked.
In conclusion, the PMC’s efforts to dispose of construction and demolition debris have made significant progress, preventing environmental harm in Pune. By expanding the debris transport service and establishing additional disposal centers, the civic body aims to enhance efficiency and convenience for residents while curbing illegal dumping. Increased monitoring and strict action against violators are also recommended to maintain the integrity of these waste management initiatives.
