Chakan (Pune) : The improper disposal of solid waste from Chakan city, including Kharabwadi and Birdawadi, has raised serious environmental and health concerns in Waghjai Nagar (Taluka Khed). For years, garbage, including hazardous plastic, chemical, and industrial waste, has been dumped near a stone quarry in the area. On occasion, this waste is set on fire, releasing toxic smoke that lingers long after the flames are extinguished, posing severe health risks to local residents.
The problem has worsened due to the lack of proper waste management. Thousands of tons of waste are collected daily and haphazardly dumped in open spaces near the quarry, leading to foul odors and pollution. Recently, a fire at the dumping site exacerbated the situation, with smoke causing respiratory, eye, throat, and ear ailments among the residents of Birdawadi.
Despite repeated protests and demands by citizens, including hunger strikes, the administration has failed to address the issue. The municipal council had earlier stated that the dumping in Waghjai Nagar was a temporary measure until a suitable site became available. However, no alternative solution has been implemented, and the situation continues to deteriorate.
The villagers of Birdawadi have demanded immediate action from the relevant department to halt the dumping and address the hazardous conditions. Without a well-planned waste management system, the health and well-being of the community remain at risk.
“The situation is becoming critical. Local citizens have protested and gone on hunger strikes, but the administration has ignored the issue. There is an urgent need for a permanent solution, but higher authorities remain indifferent.”
– Shailesh Phadke, social activist, Birdawadi
