Pune: PMC Increases Fines To Rs 5,000 To Combat Garbage Burning

Pune, 24th May 2024: In a bid to combat the escalating issue of garbage burning across Pune city, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) solid waste management department has unveiled stringent measures. With pollution levels soaring due to rampant waste burning, PMC has hiked fines significantly to deter offenders. Effective immediately, individuals caught burning garbage in public spaces will face a substantial fine of Rs. 5,000, marking a tenfold increase from the previous penalty of Rs. 500.

This decision comes in light of a surge in such incidents in recent years, significantly impacting the city’s environmental well-being. Recent data released by PMC’s solid waste management department has revealed a staggering fivefold increase in garbage burning cases in January alone this year. Beyond contributing to air pollution, these incidents pose severe health risks to Pune’s residents. However, reports from citizens suggest that the actual instances of garbage burning may exceed the figures documented by the civic body.

Furthermore, fines for non-compliance with waste segregation and for bulk waste generators have also been revised upwards. Previously, fines for improper waste segregation ranged from Rs. 60 for the initial offence to Rs. 180 for subsequent violations. Under the revised penalty structure, offenders will now face fines of Rs. 300 for the first offence and Rs. 500 for subsequent breaches.

By imposing stricter penalties, authorities aim to foster a sense of accountability among citizens and curb environmentally harmful practices. However, effective implementation and community engagement will be crucial in achieving tangible results in the fight against garbage burning and its adverse repercussions.

Commenting on the issue, a resident of Kalyani Nagar expressed hope that the increased fines would lead to a decline in violations. However, concerns remain as garbage burning cases continue to rise rapidly, particularly in Hadapsar, necessitating urgent intervention from PMC to prevent the situation from escalating further.

Despite the deployment of flying squads and drives conducted at ward office levels to combat waste burning, the problem persists. Although PMC has stationed security personnel at chronic spots to crack down on violators, incidents of garbage burning persist unabated. Residents from various areas lament that complaints to PMC about this menace yield little action from the civic body.

Sandip Kadam, head of PMC’s solid waste department, emphasized that punitive action is being taken against those who violate waste disposal rules. He highlighted the importance of the revised fines in addressing the rising number of violations and reiterated PMC’s commitment to tackling this pressing issue.