Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) waste processing plant in Ramtekdi is under scrutiny after farmers revealed that unprocessed plastic and clothing waste is being sent to companies in Deulgaon Gada, Daund taluka, to be used as boiler fuel.
This discovery has sparked controversy, as regulations require Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) to be processed from mixed waste before use as fuel.
PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has announced an investigation through the Additional Commissioner to identify which waste processing plant is bypassing the required procedures and sending unprocessed waste directly to companies.
The inquiry follows an incident where villagers in Deulgaon Gada apprehended a truck loaded with plastic waste destined for a local company and turned it over to the police.
The truck, operated by Lalvani Transport, was driven by Baliram Dagdu Bhalerao, who was transporting plastic materials from PMC’s Ramtekdi facility to JVS Company Private Limited to be used as boiler fuel.
Police have registered a case under the Environmental Protection Act following a complaint from Patas Police Station’s Constable Hanumant Khatke.
Farmers and local residents have raised concerns about the environmental impact of burning this waste. Daily, three to four truckloads of plastic waste, including items like slippers and shoes, are delivered to companies in the area.
These companies reportedly burn 40 to 50 tons of waste each day, causing severe pollution that endangers the health of residents and wildlife in nearby sanctuaries.
Despite a formal appeal from the local gram panchayat to cease burning such waste, local residents allege that company management has ignored the warnings.
In addition to the improper disposal practices at PMC’s waste processing plants, there is widespread use of plastic and garbage as fuel across industrial companies and jaggery units in Daund taluka.
The burning of plastic waste produces thick black smoke, contributing to significant air pollution and damaging crops in the area. Despite complaints, residents claim that the State Pollution Control Board and local police have failed to take corrective action.
Authorities have emphasized that proper RDF should be produced from mixed waste and processed into briquettes before being supplied as fuel. The ongoing investigation aims to trace the source of the unprocessed waste and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.