Commuters and residents flag trash-dumping along Pune-Bengaluru highway

PUNE: Dumping of garbage and its burning have become a serious issue along the Pune-Bengaluru highway, with residents as well as commuters raising a stink over the worsening situation on the Chandni Chowk and Vadgaon bridge stretch, while demanding regular cleaning of the areas.
"I work at a private school as a librarian in Balewadi. I regularly use this road.But the garbage dumping along the highway in the Warje area is increasing with each passing day. Especially at night, many vehicles dump garbage and construction debris here. This should be stopped," Rahulnagar resident Swati Chaudhari told TOI.
"If one sees garbage dumping at Vadgaon Bridge, he will feel like never using this highway again. However, commuters like me have no option but to use this stretch because of work and other needs. Our problem should be solved at the earliest," said Sinhagad Road resident Sachin Mhasawade.
According to the citizens, they have observed that some locals, including residents of newly merged areas, are dumping garbage at these spots. Even vegetable and fruit vendors, who do their business during the daytime in the area, throw the remains on highways or service roads. Some of them burn these waste vegetables and fruits before going home.
As per the commuters, these stretches are a vital part of the national highway and connecting points to cities like Satara and Mumbai. Several office goers, including IT professionals, use this route to the IT parks of Hinjewadi. Residents of busy areas like Kothrud, Bavdhan, Baner, Balewadi, Wakad and Sinhagad Road use these thoroughfares regularly. Nearly 1.5 lakh vehicles use this highway daily.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials said a special drive would be carried out for garbage disposal at the location. "The civic administration is taking action against the garbage dumping on a regular basis. The ward offices concerned have been directed to remove the trash," said a senior PMC official.