Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Ranked High in Swachh Survekshan, but Citizens Cry Foul

The 2024-25 Swachh Survekshan rankings have left many citizens in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad puzzled, as the cities were ranked 7th and 8th respectively, despite ongoing complaints about overflowing garbage, littered streets, and poor overall sanitation.

In the previous year's survey, Pune was ranked 10th, while Pimpri Chinchwad came 13th. However, residents continue to face issues like irregular waste lifting, poor door-to-door collection, and inefficient waste processing. Civic activists have also raised concerns about open waste dumping and garbage burning, which the National Green Tribunal recently criticized the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for failing to curb.

PMC officials claim they are putting in their best efforts, highlighting achievements like 100% household waste collection, 16 wet and 14 dry processing units, and 17 'Reduce-Reuse-Recycle' centers. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has also retained its 7-Star Garbage Free City certification and Water Plus status, citing effective waste management and 100% wastewater compliance.

However, citizens remain unconvinced, pointing to issues like overflowing garbage, littered streets, and poorly maintained public toilets. They demand that the civic bodies present a clear plan to address the persistent garbage crisis, especially in the newly merged areas. Activists also question the credibility of the Swachh Survekshan survey, given the ground realities in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.