In a crucial intervention during the ongoing winter session of the state legislature, Ashwini Jagtap, the MLA representing Chinchwad constituency, highlighted the potential health risks posed by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) proposed garbage depot project in Punawale. The legislator called for immediate action and proposed an alternative—transforming the site into an oxygen park without disrupting the local ecology.
Legislator’s Concerns: Ashwini Jagtap, via her official communication channels, emphasized the urgency of addressing the issues surrounding the proposed garbage depot in Punawale during the ongoing state legislature’s winter session. She specifically requested immediate intervention to safeguard the health of residents and advocated for an innovative solution—an oxygen park in place of the proposed garbage depot.
Background and Health Risks: According to Jagtap, the PCMC initiated the land acquisition process for the garbage depot in Punawale. However, she raised significant concerns about the potential health hazards for the residents in the vicinity. Punawale has undergone substantial development since the project’s conception in 2008, evolving into a bustling residential area with a substantial population exceeding one lakh. Its proximity to the Hinjewadi IT Park has further elevated its residential popularity.
Despite the growth, the proposed garbage depot’s proximity to residential buildings and societies has sparked worries about air quality and health risks for residents. Additionally, the environmental impact and the unpleasant odor expected from the site have prompted concerns in neighboring areas like Wakad, Tathawade, Marunji, and Hinjewadi.
Advocacy for an Oxygen Park: In response to the potential challenges, Ashwini Jagtap urged authorities to reconsider the plans for the garbage depot in Punawale. Instead, she proposed repurposing the site into an oxygen park, promoting environmental conservation and contributing to the well-being of the local community.
Community and Environmental Impact: The legislator’s intervention reflects a broader concern for both public health and environmental sustainability. The proposal for an oxygen park not only addresses the immediate health risks but also aligns with a proactive approach to fostering green spaces within urban areas.
