Pune, India: The residents of Kharadi find themselves engulfed in a severe garbage crisis as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) faces criticism for inconsistent waste collection practices. The situation, persisting since November, has led to overflowing trash bins and unsanitary conditions, sparking health concerns among the community.
Akhil Agarwal, a Kharadi resident, expressed the growing frustration, stating, “The number of eateries, footpath tapris, and more is increasing in Kharadi. So, such hawkers dump garbage in the open. A huge amount of garbage gets piled up. PMC doesn’t pick up garbage daily. It happens mostly once or twice a week or when you escalate the issue. However, there is no consistency in the garbage collection by the PMC. So, several points in Kharadi have become chronic. The main point over here is that the PMC must show consistency & collect garbage every day without fail by themselves.”
Reports reveal that residents, faced with mounting garbage and unresponsive authorities, have turned to social media to voice their concerns. Complaints submitted to the PMC have gone unanswered, exacerbating the situation and leaving residents in distress.
Beyond the visual blight caused by uncollected garbage, the health risks are multifaceted and pose a significant threat to the well-being of those living in affected areas. Diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and cholera can spread through exposure to waste. Mosquitoes and flies thriving in garbage can transmit illnesses through their bites.
The decaying process of organic matter releases harmful chemicals, including greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. Additionally, the accumulation of food waste attracts rodents and pests, potentially carrying diseases like leptospirosis and hantavirus. Improperly disposed of sharp objects and broken glass further heighten the risk of physical injuries, especially among children.
The absence of proper waste management can also contaminate water sources, posing a threat to both surface and groundwater. This is particularly alarming during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for clean water for hand hygiene and disease prevention.
As the global community battles another wave of the coronavirus, uncollected garbage not only compromises hygiene practices but also increases the risk of virus transmission. Negotiating through heaps of trash makes social distancing challenging and compromises the overall health and safety of residents.
Sushma Munde, Sanitary Inspector at PMC, stated, “We have cleared the entire dumped garbage from the area.”
