Pune: Residents from different areas of the city have raised serious concerns over repeated instances of open garbage burning in their vicinity, while demanding that the civic administration intensify its vigil against this activity and initiate strong action against offenders.Meanwhile, on paper, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has recorded only one case of illegal garbage burning in the entire month of May 2026. The incident took place in the Aundh-Baner ward and a fine of Rs5,000 was imposed on the offenders. Not a single other ward out of the remaining 14 managed to record any such case in the same period, despite on-ground reports of residents being quite to the contrary.For instance, Khadki residents pointed out that dumped garbage is often set on fire along the Mula river in the area in the morning and late evening hours. Resident Vivek Sathe, who frequently goes for morning walks here, said PMC has taken no immediate steps to address the visible trash burning. “Last week, on two consecutive days, dry waste accumulated along the river was set on fire. PMC took zero action. The involvement of civic staff itself in this garbage burning needs to be checked,” Sathe said.Sources from the civic administration claimed dedicated squads have been deployed in each ward to keep vigil on waste burning and illegal open dumping. But Deccan Gymkhana area resident Atul Punde pointed out that even repeated warnings by PMC fail to deter offenders. “There is a need to increase vigil at vulnerable spots. Burning causes pollution and poses myriad health issues. Officials should check if these instances are increasing due to the delay in the arrival of the monsoon,” said Punde.Civic activist Pramod Shinde from Wadgaon said such garbage burning also indicates PMC’s failure to properly collect, handle and dispose of waste. “In most cases, dry or garden waste is set on fire, as the civic administration does not have an effective mechanism to process it. People dump such trash in open areas. If not lifted by PMC, it is set ablaze,” Shinde said.PMC’s overall record against waste burning has been low. In April this year, the administration recorded eight cases of illegal garbage burning; in March, action was taken against 16 offenders.An official from PMC’s solid waste management department assured that action would be intensified. “Our squads are keeping watch. We will ask them to improve vigil and take on-the-spot action against burning or illegal dumping of garbage,” the official said.
