The Pune Air Action Hub released a report on the incidence of waste burning in the city and a review of the grievance redressal mechanism of PMC for the same. The report includes a citizen survey indicating that waste burning is rampant in most areas of the city, along with observance of chronic spots. Even so citizens seem unaware of the complaint mechanisms, pointing to the need for awareness about the same. That being said, an independent analysis of complaints lodged showed delay in response to waste burning complaints and other gaps in the process.
Hub members submitted the report to the Additional Commissioner Shri Prithviraj M and SWM Head Shri Sandip Kadam ahead of winter to highlight the increasing menace of open waste burning contributing to air pollution. The report findings and recommendations have also been shared with MPCB.
The report relies on two main sources of information - a ward level citizen survey to capture the incidence of waste burning covering (292 citizens surveyed across 15 wards from Oct 2023 to January 2024) and an analysis of complaints lodged by citizens regarding waste burning.In the citizen survey 75% said that they have observed chronic burning spots in their area, and 33% said they experience waste burning everyday. Another 42% said they observe waste burning 1-2 times a week. In the citizen survey, 55 citizens out of 292 said that they had lodged complaints for waste burning in their ward.
In the complaints analysis, more than 75% of complaints marked resolved, were done so after more than 2 days from the complaint being lodged. Surprisingly, no fine was imposed on any of the 59 complaints analysed. On checking the status of complaints from the token numbers, it was observed that often the complaints were forwarded multiple times before they reached the correct authority, wherein time was lost.
A list of detailed recommendations has been made to improve the grievance redressal system. With the onset of winters, the problem of burning will only worsen and the urgency of the matter has been conveyed to the concerned officials.
Some key recommendations are as follows;
- Dedicated 24x7 complaint number for waste burning
- Dedicated response squads/ force for immediate action after complaints are lodged
- Review of the line of action of complaints lodged, to find out where the gaps exist, to speed up response and enforcement/action on waste burning cases.
- Creating awareness about the complaint number and the process of lodging a complaint.
- Mapping of chronic burning spots and regular surveillance of those spots.
- Regular collection of waste, especially special kinds of waste like garden waste and electronic waste.
- Sensitisation of PMC staff on the hazards of burning waste.
Read the detailed report here.
Media Coverage
Urgent action needed against open waste burning cases in Pune’: Report submitted to PMC - Indian Express
Hadapsar, Mundhwa, Aundh, Baner and Wanowrie see max open waste burning cases: Report - Hindustan Times
Rampant garbage burning in Pune growing cause of concern - Times of India