Pune: Repeated Garbage Fires Ignite Concerns in Sangvi
Sangvi, 4th November 2023: Sangvi, a locality in Pune, finds itself grappling with a significant health and environmental issue as enormous piles of garbage, filling up to two truckloads, are continually being deposited near Kumbharwada in old Sangvi. This pressing concern has drawn the attention of citizens, who are puzzled by the consistent dumping of waste and subsequent fires that require the intervention of the fire brigade to extinguish.
Despite the presence of a nearby garbage dumping facility, questions loom over why such large quantities of waste are being left on the banks of the Pawana river by the health department. The perpetual sight of heaps of garbage next to the toilets near Kumbharwadi, in front of Baburao Dhore Bhavan in old Sangvi, has left citizens baffled.
Observant residents have noticed health workers accumulating the waste in this area and setting it ablaze during the afternoon. On a recent Thursday evening around 7 pm, a sudden release of dense smoke obscured the entire Sangvi, causing visibility issues for vehicles. The location is close to the residence of former mayor Mai Dhore and offices of other former corporators, yet none of the people’s representatives have addressed the recurring issue.
Raju Sawale, the MNS City Vice President, said, “Local citizens assert that they are not responsible for such significant waste disposal, estimating that the garbage piled up along the Pawana river would fill about two trucks. Concerns have been raised about the intentional burning of waste, which marks the third such incident in the same area, necessitating fire brigade assistance. Strict action needs to be taken against those responsible for the situation.”
Dhanshree Jagdale, Health Inspector in Sangvi, said, “The health department staff receives guidance and training regularly, making it unlikely for them to engage in such waste handling. It is possible that the dumped waste may originate from the Pune Municipal Corporation. An investigation is underway to identify the source of the garbage and the parties involved.”
