Bird-hit concerns: PMC appoints officers for round-the-clock garbage cleaning near airport

As per an order issued by the head of the solid waste department, a nodal officer of the level of Senior Health Officer has been appointed for garbage management around the airport. Three health officers, one each from Nagar Road, Yerwada-Kalas-Dhanori, and Dholepatil Road regional offices have been appointed in three shifts of 6 am to 2 pm, 2pm to 10 pm, and 10 pm to 6 am for the same.

The letter states that due to uncleanliness in the area, a large number of animals and birds had appeared and ‘office-bearers and seniors’ had raised concerns over this. “Due to this, there are issues in flight operations as informed by the airports authority. Therefore, four km around the airport in all four directions will be kept clean…” says the letter.

PMC officials inspecting around the Pune Airport premises. (Credit: PMC solid waste department)

As reported by The Indian Express, airport director Santosh Dhoke had written to the Pune Municipal Commissioner on June 18 over unauthorised constructions and garbage dumping on the east and west walls of the airport.

Further, the letter instructed the officers to follow specific directions and said: “The officers appointed as above are to carry out the following work:
1. To ensure that complete public cleanliness is maintained in the entire area from Pune Airport to 509 Chowk to Nagpur Chawl, Kalwad Settlement and surrounding four km area from Airport to Nagar Road.

2. No chronic spots shall be seen anywhere on this entire VIP Road. In the same way, maintain cleanliness by sealing the open plots with the help of the regional office and carry out deep cleaning in this area on a daily basis with the help of the relevant regional office.

3. To make necessary sanitation workers, bell trucks and other related services available through the relevant regional office and appoint sanitation workers in three shifts.

Kadam told The Indian Express: “I have visited the area. There was dumping of construction waste on the open plots there. We have levelled it out. Stagnant water was being collected there. We have levelled that out as well. There is Kalwad Wasti near the airport and to bring a permanent solution to the garbage issue there we are teaming up with Team Swachh. We have also coordinated with The Indian Air Force that owns land on both sides.”

“Inspectors have been appointed in three shifts and staff have also been provided to them. So, if any garbage turns up, it can be shifted immediately,” he added.