Pune Municipal Corporation Targets Chronic Littering Spots Amid Zika Virus Concerns

In response to the recent detection of Zika virus cases in Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has intensified its efforts to tackle the spread of infections by focusing on 325 chronic littering spots across the city. These spots, identified as hotspots for improper waste disposal, include prominent locations such as Sarasbaug, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Park, and Pune railway station among others.

A meeting convened to assess PMC’s readiness highlighted measures aimed at curbing both air and vector-borne diseases. PMC officials, including sanitary inspectors, have been instructed to enforce stringent actions against individuals caught littering in public places. Flying squads will conduct surprise visits to ensure compliance with sanitation regulations.

Responding to Pune pulse Sandip Kadam, head of PMC’s solid waste management department stated, recent efforts have resulted in the identification and cleaning of over 900 littering spots, with 600 cleared in the past three months alone. The PMC aims to achieve zero chronic spots within the next month to maintain cleanliness and mitigate health risks.

PMC’s crackdown comes amid alarming statistics, with 3,654 littering cases reported in June, resulting in fines totaling Rs28.5 lakh. The enforcement is based on special solid waste management guidelines approved by PMC in 2016, targeting offenses such as burning garbage, open defecation, and improper waste segregation.

While residents have welcomed PMC’s proactive stance, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring, they stress that sporadic actions will not suffice. Durva Joshi, a resident of Satara Road, emphasized the necessity for ongoing vigilance to yield effective results.

Social activist Nitin Kadam from Sahakarnagar urged PMC to undertake large-scale fogging across the city, emphasizing that preventive measures should not be limited to areas with reported cases of communicable diseases.

As Pune grapples with the dual challenges of waste management and public health, PMC faces mounting pressure to sustain its efforts and ensure a cleaner, safer environment for all residents.

Joyville