PUNE: On Thursday, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) imposed a fine of ₹15 lakh on a contractor involved in the Metro rail project (Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar) for allegedly dumping debris on an open plot near Balewadi High Street.
“A notice was issued to the contractor today. The fine must be paid within the next two days at the Aundh ward office, and the debris should be removed. Failure to do so will result in legal action,” stated Girish Dapkekar, the Aundh-Baner ward officer.
The civic officials reported that a site inspection showed ongoing debris dumping. The administration charged ₹15,000 per truckload, leading to the ₹15 lakh fine imposed by the PMC on the contractor.
The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), responsible for the project, declined to comment on the contractor’s penalty. “The notice pertains to a private contractor. PMRDA officials will not comment,” remarked a senior official.
“Solid waste management rules and municipal laws prohibit individuals and developers from dumping debris in public areas. Provisions for fines are included in these bylaws. The administration has previously taken action against private developers as well,” explained a senior PMC official.
The officials noted that the district administration allocated two acres in Wagholi for processing construction and demolition (C&D) waste. A waste processing plant with a capacity of 250 metric tonnes per day (MTPD) is operational there, converting collected waste into construction materials such as blocks and aggregates. PMC plans to establish an additional 200 MTPD C&D waste processing facility within the city.
