Pune Cracks Down on Garbage Burning: PMC Increases Fines to Rs. 5,000

The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) solid waste management department has announced stringent measures to combat the city’s escalating garbage burning problem. With pollution levels rising due to widespread waste burning, PMC increases garbage burning fines to Rs. 5,000 to deter offenders. Individuals caught burning garbage in public places will face a substantial fine of Rs. 5,000, which is a tenfold increase over the previous penalty of Rs. 500.

This decision follows a recent surge in such incidents, which has had a significant impact on the city’s environmental well-being. Recent data from PMC’s solid waste management department revealed a fivefold increase in garbage burning cases in January alone this year. These incidents not only contribute to air pollution, but also pose serious health risks to Pune residents. However, reports from citizens indicate that actual instances of garbage burning may exceed the figures documented by the civic body.

Furthermore, fines for noncompliance with waste segregation and for bulk waste generators have been increased. Previously, the fine for improper waste segregation ranged from Rs. 60 for the first offence to Rs. 180 for subsequent violations. Under the new penalty structure, offenders will now face fines of Rs. 300 for the first offense and Rs. 500 for subsequent violations.

Authorities hope that by imposing harsher penalties, they will instill a sense of accountability in citizens and reduce environmental damage. However, effective implementation and community engagement are critical to achieving tangible results in the fight against garbage burning and its negative consequences.

A resident of Kalyani Nagar expressed hope that the increased fines would result in fewer violations. However, concerns remain as garbage burning cases increase rapidly, particularly in Hadapsar, necessitating immediate intervention from PMC to prevent the situation from worsening.

Despite the deployment of flying squads and ward office-level campaigns to combat waste burning, the problem persists. Despite the fact that PMC has stationed security personnel at high-risk areas to crack down on violators, garbage burning incidents continue to occur. Residents from various areas complain that the PMC has done little to address this issue. Now, as PMC increases garbage burning fines, all of Pune hopes pollution is put to control.

Sandip Kadam, the head of PMC’s solid waste department, emphasized that those who violate waste disposal rules will face penalties. He emphasized the importance of the revised fines in combating the growing number of violations and reaffirmed PMC’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue.