Pune: The illegal dumping of construction debris in rivers, streams, and public places in Pune continues unchecked, despite stringent laws in place to prevent such activities. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has failed to enforce these regulations effectively, taking action against only 629 individuals in the past year and collecting fines worth ₹31.13 lakh.
The inconsistency in penalties and the lack of strict action have emboldened offenders, while municipal officials from the construction, solid waste management, and regional offices have not maintained control over the situation.
To address the issue, PMC initiated a debris disposal project at a quarry in Wagholi. However, only a small portion of the debris is being sent there, with most of it being dumped illegally in open spaces, storm drains, and rivers. This has led to clogged drainage systems in many suburban areas.
The impact of such dumping was evident when severe flooding occurred in the Mula-Mutha river. In response, PMC removed around 250 truckloads of debris from Karvenagar, Shivane, and Warje. However, similar dumping continues in the Deccan Gymkhana area, where private entities have illegally taken control of land by filling the riverbed and fencing it off. Municipal officials have ignored these violations, raising concerns that future floods could result in significant waterlogging in Deccan.
Following flood-related waterlogging in the Ektanagari area on Sinhagad Road, the municipal commissioner appointed a committee to investigate the causes. The report identified unauthorized riverbed encroachments as a major factor and recommended their removal. However, despite these clear findings, the municipal corporation has yet to take action on these recommendations.
Steps That Need to Be Taken to Stop Illegal Dumping
Full removal of dumped debris rather than partial clean-up.
Stronger penalties, with a fine of ₹5,000 per truckload of dumped debris.
Seizure of trucks involved in illegal dumping.
Legal action against builders and contractors responsible for dumping.
Halting construction work that contributes to illegal dumping.
Better coordination between the construction, solid waste management, and regional offices for stricter enforcement.
Current Status of PMC’s Action Plan
Illegally dumped debris is not being fully removed from riverbeds.
Minimal fines of ₹5,000–₹10,000 are being imposed, despite large-scale dumping.
Authorities are reluctant to seize trucks or file legal cases.
Builders responsible for dumping are not being penalized, despite clear evidence.
Fines Collected by Ward Offices Over the Past Year
January: ₹70,750
February 2024: ₹3.57 lakh
March: ₹2.16 lakh
April: ₹1.38 lakh
May: ₹1.54 lakh
June: ₹2.52 lakh
July: ₹2.38 lakh
August: ₹1.46 lakh
September: ₹2.50 lakh
October: ₹2.25 lakh
November: ₹1.44 lakh
December 2024: ₹2.56 lakh
January 2025: ₹7.05 lakh