Punawale – In a determined display of community solidarity, residents of Punawale organized a protest against the proposed Solid Waste Management (SWM) Project Garbage Depot by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). The protest, held near Lotus Business School in Punawale, aimed to draw attention to the myriad concerns raised by residents regarding the potential environmental and health impacts of the SWM project.
The protest, which lasted from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, symbolized a wake-up call to the PCMC administration, which residents claim has overlooked their persistent concerns and appeals.
Residents’ apprehensions primarily center around issues related to sanitation, public health, and the adverse effects witnessed in Moshi, where a former garbage depot had been situated.
Earlier, members of the Punawale Residents Group and others conducted a bike rally to voice their dissent. The SWM garbage depot plan, conceived in 2008 when Punawale had a significantly smaller population, is now met with vehement opposition due to the area’s rapid urbanization. Residents from Hinjawadi, Wakad, Ravet, Shinde Wasti, Jambhale, and other adjoining areas joined the protest to express solidarity.
The PCMC is currently in the process of acquiring 23 hectares of land in Punawale for the proposed waste depot. Simultaneously, the Forest Department plans to secure 23 hectares of private land near the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur district through a land exchange.
During the protest, Punawale residents raised slogans, questioned the potential benefits for their community, expressed concerns about property acquisition decisions, and strongly urged the cancellation of the proposed SWM Garbage Depot. The residents’ sentiments underscore the depth of their resistance and discontent towards the suggested waste management initiative within their vicinity.
Mayur Patil, a Punawale resident, emphasized the threat the SWM project poses to the area’s health and living conditions. He stated, “The proposed project is in close proximity to various buildings and housing societies, within a distance of 100–200 meters. This proximity can potentially result in severe health problems and the spreading of diseases. We will continue to protest until the administration revokes their decision.”
Dattatray Deshmukh, president of Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Society Federation, added, “The solid waste management project that is being planned near the forest will result in significant harm to the environment and ruin the natural aesthetics of the area. Additionally, the Punawale water resource is responsible for providing water to the entire Pimpri Chinchwad, and the project has the potential to contaminate the water, posing a huge threat to residents. This depot can also lead to the spread of various diseases like dengue, malaria, etc. We will continue to protest until PCMC wakes up and reconsiders their decision.”
Sachin Londhe, vice president, Pimpri Chinchwad Cooperative Housing Societies Federation, expressed frustration at the lack of response from the Maharashtra Government and PCMC despite sustained protests over the past two months. Residents are demanding attention to their concerns, with no acknowledgement from the authorities.
