Pune, Maharashtra: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is actively seeking a new location for the controversial garbage project on Sus Road in Baner, signaling a shift in response to mounting pressure for its removal. With political tensions surrounding the project, PMC has chosen to abandon the current site and embark on a quest for an alternative location, raising concerns about the potential loss of the considerable funds invested in the project.
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, had mandated the closure of the garbage project on Sus Road by December 31. However, the PMC’s lack of action led to a confrontation between former MLA Medha Kulkarni and officials. Despite earlier assurances of finding a resolution, PMC has now decided to scrap the project entirely, with plans to establish it in a new location within the next four months.
Initiated in 2016, the waste treatment plant by Noble Exchange Company on Sus Road primarily handled wet waste from city hotels and some household waste. The project faced opposition from residents, leading to a petition filed in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in October 2020. The Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of the citizens, ordering the project’s closure within two months. However, PMC delayed the relocation, citing challenges in securing a new site.
The decision to abandon the project comes amidst increasing political heat and public discontent. Rule 67.3 of PMC stipulates that funds must be allocated for the relocation process.
The existing project, with a capacity of 200 tonnes and processing 120 to 150 tonnes of waste, is strategically located near the city for efficient waste processing. The challenge now lies in finding a suitable rural location without compromising on development works.
The current waste plant, situated on reserved space, faces challenges due to urban development and increased construction in its vicinity. PMC will need to address future concerns regarding construction projects on reserved land and their impact on urban settlements.
The relocation decision has not escaped political controversy, with local citizens protesting and speculations arising about the project being sacrificed for political credit. Some politicians argue that the heightened political climate is a strategy to claim credit for the decision.
PMC’s Additional Commissioner, Dr Kunal Khemnar, confirmed the decision to relocate the garbage project to Sus Road. The current project is set to close within a month, and the new location is expected to be operational in the last week of March or April.
