“The civic administration directed the Slum Rehabilitation Authority to take further action. A stop-work order should be issued for the construction project from which the debris was collected, and the site has been sealed,” noted a senior PMC official.
“We will pursue criminal charges against those responsible for this illegal dumping. Monitoring efforts will be increased,” stated Avinash Sakpal, head of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)’s solid waste management department.
PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram mentioned, “The administration is creating a policy for better debris management, including a standard operating procedure.”
The civic body plans to establish 10 centers throughout the civic areas, which will be staffed and secured to ensure nearby residents are not adversely affected. This initiative aims to promote scientific waste management practices.
A probe into the dumping of construction and demolition waste in the river has been initiated following the circulation of images showing trash accumulation on social media. Waste was found near PMC headquarters in Shivajinagar, Amruteshwar Ghat, and alongside Jayantrao Tilak Bridge. A formal complaint has been lodged by PMC regarding this incident.
Mayor Manjusha Nagpure has called for stringent action in light of the situation. “Illegal dumping of debris and other waste in Pune’s riverbeds is concerning and poses risks such as flooding and environmental damage,” a letter from her office stated.
“What is the 24-hour flying squad—established to prevent such dumping—currently doing? Accountability must rest with the health and construction inspectors in the affected areas,” the letter added.
