Pune: Garbage Woes Plague Pan Card Club Road Residents in Baner, PMC Inaction Sparks Outrage
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Baner, 15th May 2024: Residents of Pan Card Club Road in Baner are grappling with a garbage dumping issue. They said that Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials are responsible for dumping garbage into the building and premises of the abandoned Pan Card Club. Residents have to endure unpleasant odours, increased mosquito populations, and other associated problems. Despite lodging complaints with the PMC, no action has been taken thus far.
The Pan Card Club, once a lavish establishment, was forced to shut down due to financial difficulties. The grand building was repurposed, only to suffer a devastating fire in January 2020, leaving it abandoned. Now, the premises have become a dumping ground for garbage, with vehicles transporting waste. While some residents suspect PMC officials are responsible, the truth remains unclear.
Recent mango rains in the Pune district have exacerbated the situation, causing foul odours and a surge in mosquito populations. The residents of El Homes housing society are particularly affected, as their homes directly overlook the dumped garbage. Expressing frustration, they lament that they chose homes in this society for views of the Baner Hills, not for the sight and smell of garbage.
A resident of Pan Card Club Road, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration, stating, “It’s not just the Pan Card Club; the entire road is lined with garbage on both sides. We’ve lodged complaints with the PMC, but there’s been no response. This is a problem affecting the entire area.”
Vandana Dongare, the Chairman of El Homes, expressed concern, stating, “Garbage has been continuously dumped here for the past few days. With 80 flats in our society, the odour has become unbearable. Despite lodging complaints with PMC officials, we received no response. Two days ago, before the rain, strong winds scattered the lightweight garbage all over our society and the surrounding area. The rain worsened the situation, leaving us to deal with a messy aftermath.”
Other residents in the area are deeply concerned about the ongoing garbage dumping, which presents numerous challenges for citizens. Not only does it attract pests, posing health hazards, but it also emits pollutants, harming the environment, and diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the area, affecting property values. Residents endure unhygienic living conditions, infestations, property damage, and social stigma as a result.
Girish Dapkekar, the Assistant Municipal Commissioner of the Aundh Baner Ward Office, responded, “This complaint is the first we’ve heard of it. Over the past few days, we’ve been occupied with Lok Sabha election duties. However, we will take prompt action to address the issue.”
