Pune: Waste burning at Nigdi's Durgadevi Hill has come to light, sparking outrage among citizens who visit the area for exercise and fresh air. Despite a city-wide ban on waste burning due to escalating pollution levels, such practices continue, particularly at locations like Durgadevi Hill, which is also grappling with increased instances of tree cutting.

Durgadevi Hill Park, a favorite destination for morning walkers, yoga practitioners, and laughter club members, witnesses a significant daily footfall. The area is also being developed as a tourist destination, drawing visitors throughout the day. However, the burning of trash at this site has caused discomfort among citizens who expect a pollution-free environment.

Pimpri-Chinchwad’s rising pollution levels, coupled with deforestation, have heightened the urgency to protect parks and green spaces. Just last month, trees were cut at Durgadevi Hill, and now garbage burning poses a further threat to its biodiversity. Burning waste near trees risks damaging them and further degrading the environment.

Environmental activist Prashant Raut expressed his concern, stating, “Sanitation workers and contractors have been reported burning waste in the past, and it seems this issue persists at Durgadevi Hill. Citizens visit this hill for fresh air and exercise, and burning waste here violates municipal regulations.”

A regular visitor shared, “We come here daily for morning walks. While some trees have been cut recently, others have been planted. Preserving the hill’s biodiversity requires care for these trees. Burning waste and dry leaves could harm them.”

Assistant Commissioner of the Garden Department, Umesh Dhakane, acknowledged the issue, saying, “We have received reports of waste burning at Durgadevi Hill. Strict instructions have been issued to the employees, and any repetition of such incidents will result in stringent action against those responsible.”