Mechanised waste collection, new segregation rules take centre stage at Wadgaonsheri civic meet

PUNE: Wadgaonsheri residents have raised pressing cleanliness and waste management concerns during a meeting with PMC deputy commissioner Avinash Sakpal, who heads the solid waste management (SWM) department.

The interaction on Friday last week, conducted at the Nyati Meadows Clubhouse, was attended by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials and members of the Clean Wadgaonsheri Group (CWG). The aim was to focus on the upcoming Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and long-standing civic challenges affecting citizens. The meeting highlighted growing frustration among residents over irregular garbage collection, lack of litterbins, roadside dumping, and the absence of a dedicated waste-processing facility in the area.


Civic officials assured citizens that structural changes and mechanised systems would soon improve ground-level implementation.

Sakpal informed residents that the new Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, would come into force from April 1 this year, mandating four-way segregation of waste at the source: wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste. Bulk waste generators (BWGs), including large housing societies, would be required to process wet waste within their premises as per the rules, while PMC will handle the remaining waste streams.

"Segregation at source is the backbone of efficient waste management. Enforcement will be strict, and penalties will be imposed for non-compliance. Empanelled consultants for composting and biogas systems will be announced by mid-March to assist societies," Sakpal said.

Residents stressed that policy changes must translate into consistent service delivery. Daily waste collection from smaller, non-BWG households emerged as a major concern, with citizens citing missed pickups and overflowing garbage points.

Mukund Gham, deputy sub-inspector of the solid waste management department, assured that mechanised collection would address these gaps. "At least five new ghanta gaadis will be deployed in ward number 5 by March 20. Increased vehicle rounds and improved logistics should significantly streamline daily collection," he said.

Citizens also demanded permanent solutions to littering hotspots and roadside dumping of bulky waste, such as mattresses and furniture. PMC officials confirmed that land behind Nyati Meadows Clubhouse is being explored for establishing a resource recycling centre (RRC) for Wadgaonsheri, which residents believe could reduce illegal dumping.

"Waste piles along internal roads affect hygiene and property value. We need predictable collection and local processing facilities," said CWG member Mira Shah.

Another resident, Pushpa Rajan, highlighted the lack of public litterbins. "People want to follow rules, but infrastructure must exist. Without bins, waste ends up on streets despite awareness," she said.

Officials clarified that installation of litterbins will depend on post-April budget allocations, though corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnerships may be explored in the interim.

PMC also warned that eateries and commercial establishments failing to maintain litterbins outside their premises would attract fines.