In Punawale, the proposed Solid Waste Management Project (SWMP) in the Kate Wasti Forest has stirred a wave of opposition, leading to the Pimpri-Chinchwad Housing Federation issuing a legal notice to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PCMC). The concerns range from the proximity of the dumping site to a burgeoning housing cluster to the outdated nature of the project’s planning.
Proximity Predicament: A Dumping Ground Amidst a Growing Community
Originally proposed in 2008 and approved in 2018, the SWMP’s location is now at the heart of a housing boom, housing over a lakh residents within a 100-meter radius. The clash between a waste dumping site and a rapidly growing residential area is raising eyebrows, questioning the feasibility of the project in its current state.
Outdated Plans: Advocating for a Fresh Start in Site Selection
With no progress from the original 2008 plans until 2023, Advocate Satya Muley, representing the Housing Federation, criticizes the PCMC for relying on outdated analyses and approvals. Muley emphasizes the need for a fresh site selection process, considering the present ground realities and the substantial growth in population.
Deteriorating Standards: Residents’ Fight for a Pollution-Free Environment
Residents are asserting their right to a pollution-free environment, citing potential impacts on air and water quality, attracting filth, and hazardous elements. The legal standpoint reinforces residents’ rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, emphasizing the “right to live” in a pollution-free environment.
Environmental Alarm: SWMP’s Impact on Nature and Conservation
The proposed SWMP’s location, near Abha Lake and on forest land, raises environmental concerns. The potential pollution of the water body, habitat destruction for various species, and conflicts with groundwater conservation initiatives stand at odds with environmental protection laws.
Local Backlash: Residents’ Fears and Legal Threats
Local residents voice concerns about health issues, ecological imbalances, and the potential impact on water bodies. The proposed SWM plant’s effect on air quality and the reduction of the buffer zone from 500 to 100 meters are raising serious questions. Advocate Satya Muley warns of legal action, including filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), if the PCMC fails to reconsider the project and adhere to due legal provisions.
