Garbage Crisis on Pan Card Club Road: Pune Municipal Corporation Fails to Address Basic Amenities

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande

Baner, 20th August 2024: Residents of Pan Card Club Road in Baner have been grappling with severe neglect from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), as the area has been overlooked for basic amenities that are essential for daily living. Pan Card Club Road, located on the western side of the PMC’s jurisdiction, has faced multiple issues over the years, but the recent monsoon season has exacerbated the problem of garbage accumulation, causing growing frustration among residents.

For days, garbage has been left unattended on both sides of the road. This area, home to more than 20 housing societies and thousands of residents, has been plagued by foul odors, making the environment extremely unpleasant. Residents allege that despite lodging numerous complaints with the PMC and voicing their concerns on social media, no action has been taken to address the issue.

Residents expressed their concerns to Punekar News, highlighting the significant health and environmental risks posed by the uncollected garbage. The waste attracts pests like rats and insects, which can spread diseases. Additionally, the accumulation of waste is blocking drainage systems, leading to waterlogging and increasing the risk of waterborne illnesses. The pollution and degradation of local ecosystems have also been exacerbated, affecting air and soil quality and harming wildlife.

Residents noted that even during recent rains, water took an extended time to drain away due to blocked drainage. Potholes on the road have worsened the situation, causing water to pool and creating hazardous conditions for drivers. This has raised concerns about infections and other health risks, yet the PMC has remained unresponsive.

Arvind, a resident of one of the housing societies on Pan Card Club Road, said, “In many areas, there is garbage and waste that waste pickers don’t collect, and it has been ignored for days. We pay all our taxes regularly, yet we don’t receive the basic facilities that everyone deserves. We have complained to the PMC multiple times, but there has been no action or response from their side.”

Attempts to contact Girish Dapkekar, Assistant Commissioner of PMC and in charge of the Aundh-Baner Ward Office, were unsuccessful, as he was unavailable for comment.

In addition to the garbage crisis, residents have reported other infrastructural issues on Pan Card Club Road, such as the lack of footpaths for pedestrians and inadequate street lighting at night. These deficiencies, combined with reports of illegal activities occurring under the cover of darkness, have raised safety concerns among residents. They are planning to write a letter to the Pune Police about these issues and intend to meet with PMC officials and other authorities to address the absence of basic amenities.