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Pune Burns: Garbage Fires Surge 20% Amidst Health Alarms
8 Jan
Summary
- Garbage fires in Pune increased over 20% in 2025 compared to the prior year.
- Grass fires saw a nearly 33% jump, raising concerns about pollution.
- Smoke from garbage fires poses serious health risks, worsening winter air quality.
In 2025, Pune witnessed a worrying escalation in garbage fires, with incidents rising by over 20% compared to 2024. This alarming trend was accompanied by a nearly 33% surge in grass fires, highlighting a critical issue in the city's environmental management. Fire officials attribute these blazes to a lack of public awareness and improper waste disposal practices.
The increase in fires is a major concern, especially in areas near electrical transformers, where fires have caused significant damage. While controlling remote grass fires is challenging, urban incidents could be mitigated through enhanced awareness campaigns and preventative measures. Experts also point to methane gas buildup in accumulated garbage as a potential ignition source, underscoring the need for effective waste management and timely collection.
Medical professionals warn that the smoke released from burning waste contains toxic pollutants, including PM2.5 and carbon monoxide, which can lead to severe respiratory problems, heart conditions, and even cancer. The problem intensifies during winter due to temperature inversion, trapping pollutants near the ground and causing a rise in persistent coughs and throat irritations among residents.
