Pune: The civic body, in the past two years, has imposed a total fine of Rs 80 lakh on 1,170 violators for illegally dumping construction and demolition waste along nullahs, open plots and river beds.According to civic officials, illegal dumping was not only defacing civic areas but also raising the probability of flooding. “The administration has provided a service for the scientific disposal of construction waste. But even then, some people have illegally dumped debris. It has led to action,” said Sandip Varule, head of the PMC’s solid waste management department.Activists welcomed the action but believed that the civic body should intensify its efforts, as the problem was much larger.“The dumped trash was increasing waterlogging, health hazards and many other problems. The civic body should take stringent action against the violators. More awareness should be created about the adverse impact of open dumping of debris,” said Mitali Mahajan, a resident of Sinhagad Road.The activists claimed that many civic officials were purposely ignoring the illegal dumping for their vested interests. “Some officials, politicians and developers have a hand in glove. It is leading to illegal dumping,” said Vijay Kumbhar of Surajya Sangharsh Samiti, a citizens’ group.The civic data showed that PMC has been generating approximately 250 metric tonnes (MT) of construction and demolition (C&D) waste per day.As per the civic officials, consultations have been conducted with various stakeholders to understand concerns regarding C&D waste. The civic body has prepared a detailed project report (DPR) to assess the quantity, quality and sources of C&D waste.The district administration allocated 2 acres in Wagholi for C&D waste processing, where a 250 MTPD C&D waste processing plant has been installed.The PMC was planning to set up 10 centres across civic areas. They will be guarded and secured with dedicated manpower so that citizens living in nearby areas will not be affected.A toll-free number (18002339595) has been made available for C&D waste-related enquiries
