If we don’t watch out, Pune will soon become the Garbage City of the country. This is a serious possibility, if the issue is not tackled on a war-footing.
Sadly, the problem seems to be getting worse by the day. On every street or road in the city, a small garbage heap surfaces where there was none.
For example, the road from NIBM to Mohammedwadi and Undri was relatively bereft of garbage. But today the road is completely littered with small piles of garbage everywhere. The same thing happens in Salunke Vihar or Deccan Gymkhana or Camp. Sometimes, posh residential complexes are dotted with garbage outside their gates.
So who is to blame? Or who will bell the cat?
The authorities are always coming up with new schemes of which many do not see the light of day. Their machinery grinds slow and often halts. Some of the garbage incinerators in the city often break down and cause garbage spillovers which are nauseating to residents in the area.
Numerous complaints fall on deaf ears as no-one is willing to take the initiative. Typical lethargy and lack of will have proved frustrating and it is costing the city a lot.
Luckily, there are many conscientious citizens who have launched their own campaigns to rid the city of garbage. But this is an isolated battle because to mobilise the whole city will prove a difficult task.
Groups will have to be formed in every pocket of the city if this has to succeed. Some societies are already maintaining cleanliness drives which have proved a success.
But the authorities cannot just sit and dictate terms. They have to join in because only a combined effort will ensure a modicum of garbage removal in the city. There has to be more interaction between citizens and the authorities to ensure a smooth disposal of garbage.
It is not just the removal but also educating the people on the importance of garbage throwing. By habit, people just chuck things out in the open without a thought. And if one does then others do. They should be fined severely if they are caught.
At least some societies have firmly forbidden littering and chucking things out of the window. This should be made a mandatory for all societies. It is indeed sad to see that a great city like Pune overflowing with garbage everywhere. The problem will only intensify daily.
The time to act is now. Small steps have to be taken today at every corner of the city so one day Pune becomes worthy of becoming a real Smart City.
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