Pune is facing an environmental crisis as the National Green Tribunal (NGT) takes suo-moto cognizance of the escalating issue of garbage burning, contributing to the city’s deteriorating air quality. The principal bench of the NGT, led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, has transferred the case to NGT (Western Zone) in Pune for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The NGT’s concern has been triggered by numerous reports highlighting incidents of garbage burning in Pune, prompting the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to file an affidavit detailing air pollution levels and the measures implemented to combat them.
Rahul Garg, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) lawyer, presented a detailed report to the NGT, acknowledging the challenges faced by the city due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and industrial expansion. Garg emphasized the PMC’s commitment to addressing air pollution through various initiatives, particularly focusing on the Solid Waste Management department’s strategies to control garbage burning.
Garg clarified that while isolated incidents of garbage burning exist, they are not widespread. The PMC collaborates with the waste pickers’ cooperative ‘swach’ for efficient door-to-door waste collection, involving approximately 3,800 waste pickers in daily collection routines. Pune generates around 2,200 tons of waste per day, and to manage construction waste, the civic administration operates a 250-ton capacity Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste processing plant.
NGT (Western Zone) members, Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert Vijay Kulkarni, took note of newspaper reports highlighting poor air quality near garbage burning sites. They directed the MPCB to submit a detailed response on the measures taken to address air pollution before the next hearing scheduled for March 15. The issue remains in the spotlight, with a growing focus on collaborative efforts to mitigate the impact on residents and the environment.
