Pune Citizens Call for Integrated System to Combat Waste Burning

Mrudula Narale

A petition signed by 1,300 Pune citizens, filed by a city NGO with the Additional Municipal Commissioner, has urged a revamp of the city’s complaint redressal system for waste burning. The plea points to inefficiencies in the existing system, such as confusing contact channels and a lack of transparency, and has asked the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to implement a streamlined, responsive system to deal with the increasing menace of illegal garbage burning.

Every squad, though, has its own distinct telephone number that rotates with officers’ shifts, thus confusing citizens as they attempt to report the complaints. The petition calls for an individual, unified contact number just like the one for the fire brigade to ease the process. Authorities have recognized the problem and pledged to pursue a single number, although they complained of manpower deficiencies as a hindrance to introducing round-the-clock services.

Citizens were also upset about the lack of accountability in the system. Although complaints are filed, there is no apparent method to follow up on whether action is taken, fines imposed, or cases documented. Lack of information on complaint cases filed and disposed keeps citizens uncertain about the PMC’s efforts to stop burning of garbage. The petition highlights that effective and timely disposal is an exception, with slack being sensed in urgent matters, eroding public confidence in the system.

To remedy these deficits, the NGO suggested tracking of complaints and squad positions in real time so that citizens can track progress. They also requested that the PMC deploy squads for evening patrols to scare away violators, since burning of waste typically takes place during nighttime. These steps, the petition contends, would improve responsiveness and deter criminals. The NGO also requested that the PMC publicize measures taken against offenders in the form of fines and preventive measures to keep the public informed and show that the PMC was serious about addressing the problem.

The petition captures the wider issues of air pollution resulting from incinerating wastes, which is detrimental to health and degrades the environment in Pune. The inefficiencies of the existing system, determined through a breakdown of its flaws, have spurred public pressure for change. Residents are demanding 24/7 squad availability and a greater rate of resolution, emphasizing that prompt action is imperative to slowing down violations. The absence of an available, standardized complaint process has prevented residents from interacting with the PMC in a productive manner, calling for change on a systemic level.

With growing environmental issues facing Pune, the petition highlights the importance of having a strong, people-friendly redressal system. The response of the PMC to these requests will be the key to building confidence and taking care of the health risks arising from burning trash. For now, the 1,300 signers and their sympathizers wait for action, expecting a cleaner, more transparent way to deal with one of the city’s major civic concerns.

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