Local Residents of Punawale Object to PCMC’s Plan to Create Garbage Dump by Cutting Trees in Kate Wasti Forest
Residents Oppose PCMC’s Garbage Dump Proposal, Citing Tree Felling Concerns
The proposal by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to establish a garbage dumping site by cutting down trees in the Kate Wasti Forest has stirred discontent among social activists and local residents.
The Kate Wasti Forest, known as the lungs of Punawale and Marunji, was chosen as the designated location for the garbage dump back in 2008. However, the plan had never taken off.
It’s worth noting that Punawale was not as developed at that time, with a population of just 10,000. But over the past 15 years, the population of the area has surged nearly tenfold.
Since 2017, waste production in Punawale has seen a rapid increase. It escalated to 832 tonnes per day, marking a 400-tonne surge over the previous seven years. Presently, the daily waste output has reached a staggering 1,250 tonnes.
This sharp rise in waste generation has resulted in waste management challenges, leading to a buildup of household waste at the Moshi waste depot, spanning an 81-acre expanse.
Despite the proposal’s conception over a decade ago, local residents have vehemently opposed the decision, citing two main reasons. First, they express strong objection to the felling of trees to make way for the depot. Secondly, residents are concerned about the inconvenience a depot might cause if established.
The potential garbage depot area, spanning 26 hectares in Punawale, is currently covered with trees, necessitating deforestation for its construction. Consequently, the forest department is expected to allocate space for planting compensatory trees in the region. Meanwhile, the PCMC has earmarked Rs 3.57 crore for afforestation efforts.
Maruti Bhapkar, a social worker and resident, commented, “This issue stands out as the civic body is trying to implement an idea that was conceived keeping the situation that existed 15 years ago in view. The entire area has developed into a residential zone. Citizens will not permit setting up of a garbage depot in their vicinity.”
Shivaji Bandal, another resident, questioned the decision, stating, “It would have made sense 15 years ago, but not now. Moreover, the Moshi depot is well-functioning with adequate machinery. For another depot, they should consider locating it in a non-residential area, rather than impacting the lives of 30,000 residents.”
Sachin Nagwade, a resident, expressed concerns about health and environment, saying, “The cutting down of trees is not only detrimental to the environment but also poses a risk to the health of those living in the vicinity.”
Vijay Kumar Khorate, additional commissioner at PCMC, assured that the forest department plans to provide an alternative location for tree planting to compensate for the felled trees. Further measures will be taken once the corporation takes ownership of the site.
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