The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is facing severe criticism and environmental concerns after revelations of the improper disposal of water hyacinth by the contractor responsible for managing the issue in the city. Reports indicate that the contractor has resorted to open burning of hyacinth at Rajaram Bridge, leading to heightened pollution levels and public outrage.
Pune’s water bodies, including the Mula-Mutha rivers and various lakes, are grappling with the dual challenges of untreated sewage and the uncontrolled growth of aquatic plants. The mismanagement of hyacinth removal not only contributes to the breeding of mosquitoes but also poses a significant hurdle to the city’s waste management initiatives. Despite substantial annual tenders issued by the PMC for hyacinth removal, issues such as political interference, tender disputes, and insufficient oversight over contractors persist.
This year’s tender, valued at Rs 1 crore 20 lakhs, aimed to address these concerns by mandating the mechanical removal and proper disposal of aquatic plants. However, the execution has fallen short of expectations, with reports suggesting that the contractor is neglecting responsibilities by resorting to dumping and burning dried plants along the riverbanks. This reckless act includes burning plastic and clothes along with the plant waste, further worsening pollution levels.
The situation has ignited a broader discussion on the PMC’s efficacy in managing environmental and public health issues, emphasizing the pressing need for stringent oversight and accountability in municipal contracts. The PMC, traditionally strict on open burning violations, finds itself in a contradictory position as the contractor’s actions directly violate the city’s regulations.
Dilip Pavara, Deputy Engineer from the PMC Environment Department, has assured that a thorough investigation will take place, and necessary actions will be taken against the contractor for breaching the terms of the tender. The community eagerly awaits swift and effective measures to curtail further environmental degradation in Pune.
