Pune: Elected representatives raised the issue of unchecked garbage dumping across the city in the ongoing assembly session and demanded action against officials of the civic administration for failing to perform their duties in this regard.The issue was raised against the backdrop of a woman being mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs in Chakan on Monday night, with many residents of the area pointing out that piles of dumped waste attract stray animals in groups.Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Pune, including Bhimrao Tapkir, Sunil Kamble, Bapu Pathare and Chetan Tupe, flagged the inaction of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials in terms of garbage collection in the assembly on Tuesday, highlighting the problem in merged areas. State govt admitted to lacunae in the waste collection system in Pune and promised that it would be improved in the near future.Khadakwasla MLA Tapkir said, “The piling up of garbage across the city, particularly in merged areas, has created various problems. These heaps are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and flies. They also serve as food for scavenging stray animals. Roadside garbage dumping is more pronounced in merged areas.”Pathare said PMC has failed to address improper garbage collection and stray dog population control. “Heaps of garbage in almost all areas attract stray animals. If the civic body clears garbage on a regular basis and allows dog feeding activity only at designated spots, issues will not arise,” the Wadgaonsheri MLA said.MLA Tupe said people from his constituency, Hadapsar, are among those worst affected amid this crisis, as the city’s garbage is taken to the area adjoining Hadapsar for processing. “This waste is transported in uncovered vehicles and residents suffer. MLAs and corporators can notice these problems, but it is shocking that the civic administration turns a blind eye.”Minister of state (MoS) for the urban development department Madhuri Misal admitted to the persistent problem. Responding in the assembly to questions raised by the MLAs, she said, “The system to lift garbage, particularly in merged areas, is still not completely in place. Instructions will be given to all ward officers to prepare a status report of garbage collection in their respective jurisdictions. They will have to submit it within one month. Based on the same, a plan will be prepared for effective garbage collection, especially in merged areas. Responsibility will be fixed on certain officials to ensure continuity in action.”
