Pune Airport launches an urgent clean-up drive to address stray dogs and garbage piles endangering flight safety. The initiative unites civic bodies and communities to create a safer, cleaner environment.
Pune | 21 July, 2025: In Pune, a city where progress meets challenges, the Pune International Airport has become the focal point of a critical clean-up campaign launched on July 20, 2025, to confront the growing threats posed by stray dogs and garbage accumulation. The effort, sparked by concerns from the Indian Air Force and recent incidents of animals on the runway, reflects a community’s determination to protect travelers and restore order to a vital hub. This initiative is not just about cleaning up—it’s about ensuring safety for thousands who pass through the airport daily.
Stray dogs wandering onto the runway have caused alarming disruptions, including a near-miss when an Air India Express flight was forced to delay landing in June 2025. Garbage piles, attracting both dogs and birds, have heightened risks of bird strikes, a serious hazard for aircraft. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), has intensified efforts to address these issues, following a joint inspection that identified 11 garbage hotspots around the airport. The sight of littered waste and roaming strays has stirred concern among residents and frequent flyers, who see the airport as a gateway to their city’s pride.
The clean-up drive is a hands-on response to these dangers. PMC teams are now conducting garbage collection twice a week, up from once, focusing on areas like Wagholi’s vegetable market, where open dumping has fueled the problem. The campaign includes clearing waste from private plots, with notices issued to owners to maintain cleanliness or face fines. Meanwhile, the PMC’s veterinary department has captured 12 stray dogs for sterilization and vaccination, ensuring they are released outside airport premises to prevent re-entry. These efforts aim to create a safer environment while treating animals humanely.
For the people of Pune, this is personal. The airport, shared by civilian and Air Force operations, is a lifeline for families traveling to see loved ones, students heading to new opportunities, and professionals connecting the city to the world. The presence of strays and garbage not only threatens safety but also tarnishes Pune’s image as a growing metropolis. Community members, from IT workers to local vendors, are rallying behind the initiative, with calls for better waste management and awareness campaigns to prevent littering.
This clean-up crusade is a testament to Pune’s resilience and commitment to progress. As the PMC, AAI, and residents work together, the hope is to transform the airport’s surroundings into a clean, secure space, ensuring every takeoff and landing is safe. The effort underscores a shared responsibility to protect both people and the environment, paving the way for a brighter, safer future.
Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/newsdotz/
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@NewsDotz
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573903448264
Twitter – https://x.com/NewsDotz
Also Read- Pune
