Residents near NIBM Road say garbage dumping and burning on private plot is harming health

Pune, November 6, 2026: Residents of Gagan Ela society and a nearby settlement in the NIBM Road-Mohammadwadi area are troubled by a private open plot near Royal Heritage Mall, close to Ishrat Bagh. They allege that garbage is being dumped and burned there continuously.

Residents say the smoke from the burning waste is worsening air quality and causing breathing difficulty for people living nearby.

The plot near Royal Heritage Mall on NIBM Road has reportedly become a dumping ground of sorts, with different kinds of waste strewn across the premises. Photographs from the spot show heaps of garbage and smoke rising from several places. According to residents, waste is dumped and burned there regularly, spreading pollution through the neighbourhood.

Residents claim the waste includes biomedical waste, electronic waste (e-waste) and other items that could be hazardous. They fear that burning such waste can release toxic fumes, which are a particular risk to the health of children and the elderly. The nearby settlement is also said to be affected because of its closeness to the plot.

Sadik Pathan, a committee member of Gagan Ela society, said residents are suffering because of the smoke from the burning garbage. He has sought help in bringing the matter to the attention of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). He has also suggested holding a meeting of committee members and residents of Runwal society to find a solution.

The issue has also been raised on the PMC's grievance redressal system. A complaint was registered on October 27, 2026, under token number PC51088, in the category 'Burning of Garbage'. The complaint specifically mentions daily burning of biomedical waste and other garbage. According to the complaint record, its status is 'In Process'.

Residents also allege that the landowner has closed off the access path, yet garbage continues to pile up inside the plot. They questioned the lack of regular monitoring and said the responsibility of the private landowner and the municipal corporation in stopping illegal dumping and burning should be made clear.

Social workers Aftab Raza, Sadik Pathan, Khalid Parkar and Pankaj Avghate also expressed concern over the situation and demanded immediate intervention.

Aftab Raza said, "Private ownership of land cannot come at the cost of public health. The PMC and the landowner must take responsibility for ensuring that the garbage is removed and the burning stops."

Sadik Pathan said, "People of Gagan Ela and the nearby settlement are troubled by the smoke coming from the open plot. Children and the elderly are especially at risk. We have raised the issue before the authorities, but we want a permanent solution."

Khalid Parkar said, "Dumping and burning of garbage, especially if it contains biomedical and electronic waste, is a serious concern for the environment and public health. The authorities should inspect the site and identify those responsible."

Pankaj Avghate said, "Closing the access path is no solution when garbage is piling up inside the plot. The landowner and the PMC should ensure the premises are properly maintained and that there is no further dumping."

Residents have demanded an immediate inspection of the site, removal and scientific disposal of the accumulated waste, and strict action against those responsible for the illegal dumping and burning. They have also asked the PMC to coordinate with the landowner and begin regular monitoring, so that the plot does not repeatedly become a hazard to the environment and public health.