PMC to Seek World Bank Aid for Waste Management; ₹50 Crore Sanitation Fund Announced

The newly-appointed Municipal Commissioner, Naval Kishore Ram, has pledged to make Pune India’s cleanest city and to realize this, he has launched field inspections to assess sanitation infrastructure.

During his recent visits, he discovered poor maintenance at seven city waste ramps, where garbage segregation is inefficient and hygiene standards are lacking. To streamline this, Ram announced that the ramps will be mechanised based on models used in Indore, to improve waste sorting and disposal. A dedicated task force will oversee the upgrades and facilitate enclosed transportation of garbage to curb spillage and delays.

The civic chief emphasised the need to strengthen backend processes and ensure that every sanitation worker receives adequate support. “Improving these ramps is crucial,” Ram said, adding that the civic body will also implement a sealed waste carriage system.

PMC to approach World Bank

To fund long-term waste management and infrastructure, PMC plans to approach the World Bank. Ram will present proposals to bank representatives and is already coordinating with the Chief Minister’s Office. He stated that tackling waste and sewage concerns is a priority, especially with current rampant conditions falling short of basic sanitation and disinfection standards.

Sewage recycling & STP development timeline set

Ram said sewage reuse could serve industries and government facilities once proper systems are in place. The civic body expects World Bank funding to support new sewage treatment projects. The STP infrastructure currently under construction is expected to be operational by March 2026.

New energy plants to convert waste into bio-CNG

A plan is underway to construct improved compressed biogas (CBG) facilities that will generate energy from garbage. The municipal body intends to repurpose waste into usable biofuel for local applications.

Special fund for rapid fixes

To execute high-priority sanitation works swiftly, PMC will set aside a separate fund of Rs 50 crore. The money will be used to address urgent gaps in solid waste handling, equipment and infrastructure.