Air Action Hub urges PMC to curb nighttime bonfires

In the wake of growing air pollution in winter and the burning of bonfires adding to it, city-based Pune Air Action Hub of Parisar has written to the Pune Municipal Corporation urging it to issue directions to societies and property owners who employ night staff. Shweta Vernekar, senior programme associate, Parisar said, “PMC should have to give directions that if the security guards are found to be burning waste for warmth, the societies/property owners will be fined for the offence of open waste burning as per the Maharashtra State Solid Waste Management Bye Laws, July 2019.” The letter emphasises the need for a circular from PMC to property owners and societies, instructing them to provide an enclosed cabin for night staff or security guards, appropriate winter clothing such as sweaters, mufflers, caps, socks, blankets, or shawls to protect them from the cold, and electric heaters to ensure their comfort during winter nights. In its letter, Parisar also stressed that, if the security guards are found to be burning waste for warmth, the societies/property owners ought to be fined for the offence of open waste burning as per the Maharashtra state solid waste management laws, July 2019. Many security personnel lit bonfires late in the night and one can find the charred remains in the morning.” Anuradha Lokapur, a resident of Shefali Society in Bhosalenagar said, “Air pollution is aggravated by garbage burning where PMC needs to pay attention and issue clear directives to housing societies.”