Pune’s Kothrud Faces Unresolved Littering Crisis
A 350-metre stretch in Shivtirthnagar, off Paud Road in Kothrud, has become a perennial site for littering, drawing repeated complaints from local residents who feel their pleas have been ignored by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The area, once a calm residential zone, now bears the scars of neglect, as household and commercial waste is routinely dumped, turning it into a persistent health and aesthetic hazard.
Ashish Data, a resident of Samrajya Society located along this stretch, has been tirelessly following up with the local ward office, the solid waste management department, and even the PMC commissioner for nearly two years. “Despite regular garbage pickups, the litter quickly returns. The left side of the road is particularly bad, and while there was some improvement last year, it was not a sustainable solution,” Data explained. He added that the residents had repeatedly requested the authorities to install larger garbage bins to help manage the waste, but their calls for action have largely gone unheard.
This recurring issue not only creates an eyesore but has also started to pose serious health risks. The strong, foul smell from the ever-growing pile of waste makes it unbearable for passersby, while plastic and tyres have even been seen burned at the spot. The situation has attracted stray animals like dogs and pigs, exacerbating the problem for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders, creating safety concerns. Local resident Gauri Wakhare voiced her frustrations, pointing out that people from nearby areas also dump their waste at this site, further compounding the issue.
Pune’s sanitation system, despite being one of the more developed in the region, seems to be struggling with this particular stretch. Local sanitation inspector Santosh Tatkar acknowledged that the PMC has consistently sent workers to clear the garbage but admitted that this approach had proven ineffective in the long run. “We’ve stationed staff at the site to monitor the situation, but it is not a sustainable solution. People continue to dump their waste, and we cannot monitor it all the time,” said Tatkar. In a bid to address the root cause, the PMC has reached out to the road department to explore the possibility of constructing a footpath on the left side of the road. Authorities are also suggesting the addition of a gym in the area, hoping that it might discourage people from dumping waste in the vicinity.
The ongoing issue reflects a broader challenge faced by cities like Pune in managing waste sustainably. While the administration works to address the littering problem, the lack of long-term solutions calls for a rethink in urban waste management. Public spaces like Shivtirthnagar require a more integrated approach to waste disposal, incorporating not just waste collection but also behavioural change through education and infrastructure improvements. Installing proper waste bins and ensuring they are regularly emptied, alongside a public awareness campaign, could significantly reduce the littering in the area.
From a sustainability perspective, this recurring issue also raises concerns about the environmental impact of improper waste disposal. Littering, especially with plastics and other non-biodegradable materials, harms local ecosystems and contributes to the growing pollution problem in urban areas. Sustainable waste management practices, such as segregating waste at the source, increasing recycling efforts, and promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives, should be at the forefront of the city’s civic policies. It is crucial that authorities take immediate action to not only clean up this stretch but also to address the deeper, systemic issues that allow such problems to persist.