Pune's Kharadi Locality Plunged into Toxic Smoke Crisis from Burning Garbage Dump
For over a month, hundreds of residents in upscale societies of Pune's Kharadi locality have been living in what they describe as a post-apocalyptic reality. Each day, they are compelled to wear masks whenever stepping outside their homes, desperately trying to avoid the toxic smoke billowing 24/7 from a burning garbage dump on a nearby plot.
Health Emergency Unfolds Across Demographics
The acrid fumes have affected all demographics, from children and senior citizens to ailing individuals and pets. Residents report having to wrap their faces elaborately even for simple errands. The crisis began approximately a year ago when unknown parties started dumping construction debris on the site, gradually piling trash to a height of around 15 feet.
Prashanta Das, a resident of Gulmohar Privilege society located near the dump, revealed, "Around a month ago, a fire broke out in the debris. Since then, toxic fumes and thick smoke have been emanating continuously. We discovered the land belongs to Pune Municipal Corporation and is reserved as a garden plot."
Multiple Societies and School Affected
Besides Gulmohar Privilege, affected societies include:
- Marvel Citrine
- Arunaren Residency
- Forest Edge
A school adjacent to the plot also experiences regular smoke infiltration. Das added, "We have been raising the issue with local authorities and PMC for at least 20 days, requesting immediate debris removal and a permanent solution. The situation is unbearable, with senior citizens reporting breathing difficulties and children showing discomfort."
Residents Describe 'Hellish' Conditions
Rohit Nayak, a resident of Marvel Citrine, described the intense, all-pervasive stench. "Everything from plastic to leather seems to be burning. Our condition can best be described as 'hellish.' Opening windows or standing in society parking is impossible."
Nayak, an IT professional living there for four years, noted, "Parents report children hospitalized due to breathing issues, with many skipping school or wearing masks compulsorily. Civic officials' response has been disheartening."
Pre-Existing Health Conditions Exacerbated
Those with existing health problems suffer more severely. Deepali, a housewife with a hypersensitive respiratory tract, now grapples with allergic bronchitis from the smoke. "Initially, there was just stench from nighttime dumping. Three weeks ago, fires started. Now, thick fumes rise daily. Residents can close windows temporarily, but security guards have no respite."
She emphasized, "Pollution in Kharadi is already high with construction and vehicles. We didn't need this additional issue." Locals noted trees on the plot were axed almost a year ago.
Formal Complaints and Official Response
Shammi Prabhakar, a chartered accountant from Marvel Citrine, stated, "The PMC public garden site is now a dumpyard. We demand garbage removal to identify what's burning. My eight-year-old daughter developed lung issues, requiring a pulmonologist visit."
Prabhakar filed a complaint on platform X with PMC, but the ticket was closed without action. "A civic official called it routine," he added.
On March 7, residents submitted an application to Kharadi police to halt waste dumping. Local representatives visited in February's third week, promising action. On Monday, residents met the PMC assistant commissioner, demanding immediate respite.
Prabhakar said, "After constant complaints, on Monday we finally saw two PMC vehicles deployed to remove garbage."
PMC Acknowledges Issue
When contacted, Avinash Sakpal, deputy commissioner of PMC's solid waste management department, said, "I am aware of garbage burning and dumping in Kharadi and have deployed staff. We sent machinery since Monday to lift garbage. However, since the fire continues, we cannot move all garbage at once, but we are working on resolution."
Citizen Activists Voice Concerns
Hema Chari, core-member of Warrior Moms, emphasized, "Smoke from burning garbage releases fine particulate pollution and toxic chemicals deep into lungs. Pune urgently needs an effective flying squad to stop garbage burning. We cannot accept toxic smoke as normal city life."
Shubha Kulkarni, volunteer at Jeevitnadi, reported similar burning at river confluence sites, monitoring thrice daily. Ravindra Sinha, member of Pune Air Action Hub, noted, "Maharashtra has been among India's top four states in crop burning for 10 years, spiking PM10 and PM2.5 levels that end up in our lungs."
