Pune Residents Demand Immediate Action on Hadapsar Waste Depot Mismanagement
Pune: Hadapsar residents have expressed growing frustration over the persistent mismanagement of the local garbage processing depot, urging both the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pune Cantonment Board to take immediate corrective action. Despite a recent Bombay High Court ruling dismissing a plea for relocating the facility, residents report that waste accumulation, stench, and operational inefficiencies continue to plague the area.
The High Court, in its September 2025 order, had directed the civic bodies to ensure scientific handling of solid waste at the Hadapsar industrial estate facility, while instructing the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to strictly enforce compliance with Solid Waste Management Rules. However, locals claim little to no improvement has been seen. Residents report that garbage trucks remain on-site for extended periods, creating slippery and hazardous road conditions. The lack of anti-odour measures and poor site monitoring has prompted calls for immediate deployment of CCTV systems and regular chemical spraying to control odour and hygiene. Civic indifference has led to repeated complaints being ignored, intensifying public discontent.
Environmental experts are advocating for decentralised waste management solutions to mitigate both environmental and operational challenges. Gangotri Energy Director, an expert in sustainable waste processing, suggested that dry waste be processed locally through co-firing in industrial boilers under strict pollution control norms, instead of transporting it hundreds of kilometres to Chandrapur or Karnataka. “This approach reduces transportation costs, emissions, and enhances local energy efficiency by converting waste into Refuse-Derived Fuel,” the expert explained.
Officials from the PMC acknowledge the need for innovative solutions but emphasise adherence to proper approval procedures. PMC Deputy Engineer confirmed that proposals for alternative waste management techniques must undergo departmental review and approval before implementation. The civic body stated it remains committed to improving waste disposal infrastructure and is open to adopting new technologies once vetted. Experts highlight that collaborative efforts between civic authorities and private firms could transform Pune into a model for sustainable, zero-carbon waste management. Decentralising processing, integrating technology, and deploying environmental monitoring systems can significantly reduce health risks while promoting operational efficiency.
As residents continue to push for immediate intervention, the Hadapsar depot scenario underscores broader challenges in urban waste management. Without coordinated and transparent action, the region risks ongoing public health hazards and diminished quality of urban life. Effective solutions will require a combination of regulatory enforcement, technological adoption, and active citizen engagement.
