PCMC Plans Major Waste Management Reforms After Moshi Tragedy

• Standing Committee Chairman Abhishek Barne assures full support for scientific waste management, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, and rehabilitation of victims

Pimpri : In the wake of the tragic Moshi garbage depot accident, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Standing Committee Chairman Abhishek Barne called for urgent reforms in waste management, disaster preparedness, and long-term urban planning during the General Body meeting of the civic body.

Addressing the meeting chaired by Mayor Ravi Landge, Barne assured the municipal administration of complete support from the Standing Committee, City Improvement Committee, and allied parties for implementing any effective measures proposed to strengthen the city’s waste management system.

Urgent Action Plan for Waste Management

Barne stressed the need for an immediate action plan to address the city’s growing waste management challenges. Clarifying that no decision had been taken regarding the proposed Punawale garbage depot, he urged citizens not to misunderstand the ongoing discussions.

He suggested establishing decentralized waste processing centres in every municipal ward as a permanent solution to the city’s waste disposal problem. As an alternative site, he proposed exploring land under the Dehu Road Cantonment with the support of MLA Shankar Jagtap, other legislators, and Members of Parliament. He also recommended examining land along riverbanks and abandoned quarry sites as possible locations for future waste processing facilities.

Effective Waste Segregation Must Be Enforced

Barne emphasized the need for strict implementation of waste segregation at source. He said agencies entrusted with separating wet and dry waste must ensure effective execution of their responsibilities, while junior engineers, deputy engineers, and concerned officials should closely monitor compliance with the prescribed norms.

Prevent Monsoon-Related Hazards

Highlighting public safety concerns during the monsoon, Barne pointed out that waterlogging around underground electrical cables and damaged power infrastructure has resulted in incidents of electric shocks to citizens. He urged the Disaster Management Department to undertake preventive inspections of hazardous distribution boxes (DP boxes), exposed electrical connections, road potholes, and dangerous trees to avert such accidents.

He further proposed creating a reporting mechanism through sanitation workers so that they can promptly inform concerned departments about dangerous trees, potholes around tree roots, blocked drains, and garbage accumulation, enabling timely remedial action.

Comprehensive Flood Mitigation Plan Needed

Barne also called upon the administration to prepare a comprehensive flood mitigation plan to prevent future flooding in the city. He assured that the Standing Committee, City Improvement Committee, and Education Committee would extend full cooperation by approving all necessary resolutions required for implementing the plan.

Maximum Relief and Rehabilitation for Victims

Expressing condolences to the families affected by the Moshi tragedy, Barne urged the administration to provide maximum financial assistance, permanent housing, and comprehensive rehabilitation to the families of the deceased. He also stressed that injured workers should receive adequate financial and medical assistance, while support mechanisms should be developed to help their families through various welfare initiatives.

Barne also appreciated the courage and dedication of the PCMC Fire Brigade personnel, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army teams, and all municipal officers and employees who participated in the rescue operation despite the risks involved.

Commissioner Outlines Administrative Measures

Responding to the discussion, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryawanshi announced that during emergencies, Zonal Officers would function as Incident Commanders, while Executive Engineers would serve as Deputy Incident Commanders, with overall coordination of all civic departments under their authority.

He further informed the General Body that the civic administration is planning to establish Waste-to-Energy or Waste-to-CNG plants at the level of all ten zonal offices across the city. Several interested organisations have already expressed willingness to participate in the initiative, and discussions are underway. A final decision will be taken soon with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, the Commissioner said.