Pune is grappling with a significant garbage crisis as several key waste processing plants have shut down or are operating below capacity. This situation has led to mounting sanitation challenges, with garbage accumulating across the city and residents expressing growing concerns over public health and hygiene. The Hadapsar waste processing facility, which typically handles 200 tonnes of wet waste daily, has been closed for the past three weeks.
Similarly, the Dhayari plant, responsible for processing 50 tonnes of dry waste, has been non-operational for over a month. The Sus facility, with a capacity of 200 tonnes, is currently functioning at half its capacity. These shutdowns have significantly reduced the city’s waste processing capabilities, leading to increased garbage accumulation in various areas. The closure of these facilities has disrupted the regular waste collection and processing schedule, resulting in garbage piling up in residential and commercial areas. Residents have reported unpleasant odours, increased presence of stray animals, and concerns over potential health hazards, especially with the onset of the monsoon season. The situation has raised alarms about the city’s preparedness to manage its waste effectively.
Further complicating the issue is the closure of the Kothrud garbage transfer ramp, which was handed over to Metro authorities two months ago. This site previously handled approximately 125 truckloads of waste daily from areas like Kothrud, Warje, and Karve Nagar. With the ramp no longer available, waste collection vehicles are now required to transport garbage to more distant disposal sites, increasing travel time and reducing the frequency of collection trips. This has led to noticeable garbage accumulation in affected areas. Local residents have voiced their frustration over the deteriorating sanitation conditions. Community groups and activists have criticized the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for its lack of proactive measures and inadequate planning. They have called for immediate action to address the waste management issues and ensure that the affected areas receive timely and efficient waste collection services.
In response to the crisis, the PMC has announced plans to restart the closed waste processing facilities. The Vadgaon Dhayari plant, which was damaged due to a fire, is currently under maintenance and is expected to reopen soon. Additionally, the Hadapsar wet waste processing plant is nearing completion of its final stages and will be restarted shortly. The civic body has also initiated steps to identify alternative sites for waste transfer and processing to prevent future disruptions. The ongoing garbage crisis in Pune underscores the need for robust waste management infrastructure and effective civic planning. As the city continues to grow, it is imperative that the PMC invests in sustainable and efficient waste processing solutions to maintain cleanliness and safeguard public health. Residents and community groups must remain engaged and advocate for timely and transparent actions to address the city’s waste management challenges.
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