Pune, 19 November 2025: As Pune continues to getting cold with temperatures falling below 10°C, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a strict guidelines asking citizens not to light open bonfires in the city.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said that the civic body will not allow residents, security guards or housekeeping staff to burn wood, coal, biomass, waste, plastic or rubber for warmth. He stated that anyone found doing even inside housing societies or on public roads will face immediate action.
According to PMC officials, lighting bonfires during cold nights is a serious violation of the city’s ban on open waste burning. They said the smoke from these fires releases harmful pollutants like PM10, PM2.5 and carbon monoxide, which worsens Pune’s air quality.
Ram added that the smoke from bonfires is not just a nuisance but a danger to public health. These emissions can trigger or worsen breathing problems, especially for children and senior citizens.
The PMC has appealed to all residential and commercial establishments to follow the rules strictly. Civic teams will carry out field inspections, and anyone found warming themselves with an open fire will be penalised. As the cold wave continues, residents have been urged to use safe and non-polluting heating alternatives.