Despite a citywide ban on plastic and repeated awareness campaigns, its rampant use continues across Pune. To tackle this, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Solid Waste Management (SWM) Department has launched a fresh campaign to issue notices to commercial establishments violating waste management rules. The initiative, aimed at enforcing stricter compliance with waste segregation and public cleanliness, was approved through a resolution passed by the municipal commissioner on July 30, 2025.
Plastic Ban and Waste Segregation Rules
As per the Maharashtra government’s 2018 notification, the use, sale, and transport of non-biodegradable plastic and thermocol items is prohibited. Additionally, under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, every commercial establishment is required to:
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Use two separate bins (wet and dry waste) outside their premises.
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Hand over waste directly to garbage collection vehicles.
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Maintain cleanliness within a 10-metre radius of their establishment.
However, municipal inspections have revealed widespread violations, with many shopkeepers dumping waste on roads late at night instead of following proper disposal norms.
Daily Inspections and Notices
In response, PMC’s SWM department has intensified daily inspections. Health and sanitary inspectors have been directed to:
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Visit at least 25 establishments daily.
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Issue notices for violations related to plastic usage, waste segregation, and public cleanliness.
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Submit daily reports of inspections and actions taken to the SWM department for review by the municipal commissioner.
According to officials, three types of notices will be issued—covering plastic waste management, surrounding area hygiene, and general public cleanliness. Repeated violations could result in fines or even closure of establishments under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, 1949.
PMC’s Warning to Businesses
“Commercial establishments in the city are dumping waste on roads after closing shops. It is mandatory to hand over waste to garbage collection vehicles instead of throwing it outside. Additionally, the area within a 10-metre radius must be kept clean. Notices are being issued, and failure to comply will lead to strict action, including closure,”
said Sandip Kadam, Head of the SWM Department.He further emphasized, “Despite repeated awareness efforts, we’ve observed widespread violations. This campaign is not just about penal action but about making the city cleaner and healthier. We urge commercial establishments to follow guidelines and support our mission to make Pune cleaner.”
The PMC has clarified that this campaign is not limited to fines but aims to instill a culture of responsible waste management among businesses. With daily inspections, stricter enforcement, and clear accountability, officials hope this initiative will help curb plastic use and improve city hygiene.
