Pune: After months of neglect, a massive cleanup operation is underway at Vaikunth Crematorium, one of Pune's main cremation facilities. The municipal administration has deployed workers and machinery to address the growing problem of garbage and uncleanliness in the area. The effort began on Friday (January 17) morning and is expected to continue for two to three days.

The Kasba-Vishrambag Ward Office initiated the cleanup, clearing open spaces, roads, and cremation areas. Workers used JCB machines to remove garbage piles, including leaves, rusted materials, clothing, bamboo, and flower baskets. Two truckloads of garbage were cleared, but significant waste remains, necessitating the use of additional equipment on Saturday.

Speaking about the cleanup, Assistant Commissioner Suhas Jadhav said, “The cleanup work began this morning and will continue for two to three more days. Once completed, we aim to restore the crematorium to a fully clean state, offering better facilities for citizens. Discussions with other departments are ongoing to resolve underlying issues.”

Water Scarcity and CCTV Concerns Persist

Residents have raised additional concerns about basic facilities, including a three-month water shortage at the crematorium. “If this situation persists, who is accountable for this failure? The municipal administration and local representatives must address these basic issues,” said Avinash Khandare, a resident.

CCTV cameras installed at the crematorium by the municipal electrical department remain dysfunctional. Employees reported that the display system for monitoring camera footage has been out of service for over a year, despite repeated requests to the department for repairs.