The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has demonstrated its commitment to curbing illegal waste disposal by penalizing two of its employees who were found openly burning and discarding garbage along the Mula-Mutha river bank. Each of the employees from the solid waste management department has been fined ₹500 and cautioned about future violations. This move underscores the PMC’s dedication to maintaining cleanliness and environmental responsibility in the city.
Cracking Down on Violations
The PMC’s actions came in response to a report of the employees’ misconduct on October 2, coinciding with the Swachh Bharat movement and Mahatma Gandhi’s anniversary. Local citizens recorded the incident on video and reported it to then-guardian minister Chandrakant Patil, who forwarded the complaint to the civic body.
The two employees were found guilty of disposing of garbage along the river bank near Sambhaji bridge during their duty hours. Both are classified as class three employees within the solid waste management department.
Imposing Fines and Issuing Warnings
Sandeep Kadam, the head of the PMC’s solid waste department, disclosed that each of the employees has been fined ₹500 for their actions. Additionally, they have received stern warnings against any future involvement in such activities. The PMC has conveyed the gravity of their actions and is prepared to take more severe measures should similar violations occur.
Continued Efforts to Curb Waste Mismanagement
This punitive action by the PMC aligns with its ongoing efforts to discourage waste mismanagement and illegal disposal by residents. Garbage burning and improper waste disposal practices have contributed to air pollution concerns in many parts of Pune. The PMC is actively working to address these issues and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for its residents.
Addressing Riverbed Debris
In response to concerns raised by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Member of Parliament Vandana Chavan, the PMC is considering deploying a vigilance squad to monitor dumping in the Mula-Mutha river. Chavan highlighted the contradiction between PMC’s riverfront development project in the Mutha river and the dumping of debris in the riverbed, emphasizing the need for consistency in environmental efforts.
