Residents of Viman Nagar in Pune are grappling with escalating air pollution issues, with garbage burning becoming a recurring menace in Mhada Colony. The situation has left locals distressed, pointing fingers at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for its apparent lack of control over the problem.
Raja Subramani, a resident of Viman Nagar, expressed concern over the persistent garbage burning issue that has plagued the area for the past two years. He highlighted the lack of PMC control and emphasized how the problem extends to public places like bus stands, police stations, and schools, adversely affecting the health of many residents.
Subramani shed light on the sources of the problem, stating, “Garbage burning is happening near Mhada Colony, carried out by security guards, chai tapris (tea stalls), and other individuals in the morning.”
Krupali Bhatt, another resident, shared her observations near the airport side, revealing instances of garbage burning and dumping. She emphasized the severe impact on respiratory health, especially when various materials like plastic and vehicle tires are set ablaze, causing both air pollution and unpleasant odors.
Qaneez Sukhrani, a Pune citizen activist, attributed the rampant garbage burning to the negligence of PMC supervisors (mukadams) appointed for different areas. While acknowledging the issue’s prevalence in Mhada Colony, Sukhrani highlighted its widespread occurrence across various sections of Viman Nagar.
Somnath Bankar, Assistant Municipal Commissioner at PMC Nagar Road Vadgaon Sheri Ward Office, responded to the concerns, stating, “We give notices to people who burn garbage or take action against them by fining the perpetrators, etc.”
The residents, however, insist that these measures are insufficient and call for urgent and effective intervention by PMC to curb the recurring problem and ensure a healthier living environment for Viman Nagar residents.
