26 August,2013 02:55 AM IST | | A Correspondent
The PMC has initiated a drive to cut down on illegal dumping of debris and waste on government land or near canals and rivers. So far, the civic body has seized three trucks in the last three days.
Caught in the act: The Tilak road ward office of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) recently seized three trucks dumping debris from construction sites at a canal near Sinhagad road
"We have installed boards at various spots and have even sent notices to contractors and builders warning them against illegal dumping. Despite that we have seen that contractors have been neglecting this rule.
Thus trucks belonging to builders that are seen violating the norm will be penalised or seized," said Madhukant Garad, deputy commissioner, PMC. He added that civic staff would maintain vigil during 10 pm to 6 am -- an opportune time for such activities -- and seize the trucks.
The Tilak road ward office of the PMC recently caught three trucks (MH 12 AR 5848, MH 12 EF 5862, MH 12 EF 7437) illegally dumping debris at a canal near Sinhagad road. "Even after taking an action if we find same violators then we will ban their construction licence and blacklist them," Garad added.
Apart from areas near rivers and canals, dumping at vacant land is also banned. Under the special drive, PMC instructed various ward officers to conduct regular checks in such areas in their respective wards. The fine for dumping debris on government land is Rs 15,000 and the fine for illegal dumping alongside rivers and canals is Rs 25,000.
About 100 tonnes of debris, including concrete, bricks, cement plaster and iron, is generated in the city everyday. Activists have time and again raised concerns about pollution in rivers due to dumping. Many times illegal dumping of construction material obstructs the natural flow of the river.
However, civic activists are not convinced by this measure and want the PMC to identify legal areas where construction material can be dumped. "Charging fine is not a solution. Lots of redevelopment work is taking place in the city that generates tremendous amount of debris. PMC should identify legal land for this purpose," said Vivek Velankar, civic activist. Suresh Jagtap, head of the waste management department was not available for comment.
