On January 31, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) launched a fleet of special squad vehicles dedicated to monitoring garbage-related activities across Pune’s various areas. The move aims to strengthen the city’s solid waste management initiatives and enhance daily operations.
According to Sandip Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of the Solid Waste Management Department at PMC, the municipal jurisdiction has expanded to include 11 villages since October 2017, with an additional 23 villages added in July 2021. Pune witnesses a daily waste generation ranging from 2200 to 2300 metric tonnes.
The implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 by the central government underscores the need for periodic actions at the ward office level to ensure compliance with regulations related to solid waste management. These actions encompass various aspects, including enforcing plastic bans, addressing chronic spots, preventing spitting, curbing open dumping, and combating waste burning.
However, efficient execution of these actions has faced challenges due to the lack of a suitable communication system at the ward office level. Currently, PMC employees rely on two-wheelers for on-site inspections and operations, which can hinder effectiveness, especially for significant operations that require specialized vehicles.
To address this gap, PMC has initiated the purchase of 18 vehicles, with one assigned to each ward office (15 vehicles for 15 ward offices) and three allocated to the main PMC Solid Waste Management department. This strategic move is aimed at facilitating various activities effectively, aligning with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan implemented by the central government and contributing to the overall enhancement of Pune’s city rating.
