Pune Waste Surge Overwhelms City During Diwali Celebrations

In the lead-up to Diwali 2025, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has reported a substantial increase in the city's waste generation. Between October 17 and 24, PMC's Solid Waste Management Department collected a total of 18,591 tonnes of waste, a significant jump from the usual 2,300 tonnes per day.

Officials attribute this spike to the various festive activities, including increased shopping, household cleaning, decorations, crackers, and packaging. The highest collection was recorded on October 24, at 2,908 tonnes, reflecting a surge in both household and commercial waste after the celebrations.

To manage the extra load, PMC deployed additional vehicles and sanitation staff. "Special drives were conducted in busy market areas to ensure quick collection and avoid littering," said Sandip Kadam, head of the SWM Department. The city's residents also played a role, with one local praising the prompt garbage clearance and the cleaner appearance of the city compared to the previous year.

Despite the challenges, PMC plans to continue its awareness campaigns to promote cleaner and more eco-friendly Diwali celebrations in the future.