Pune: The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) is in the process of commissioning a solid waste disposal unit at the Hinjewadi IT Park capable of processing 10 tonnes of waste per day and producing 150–200 kg of bio-compressed natural gas (bio-CNG).“Setting up a solid waste processing unit is typically undertaken by municipal bodies. While it is not a standard requirement for an industrial area, we decided to take this initiative considering the rising waste generated by the growing residential population and commercial establishments within the IT park,” said Nilesh Modhave, superintendent engineer, MIDC.The Rs11-crore facility will collect segregated solid waste from dedicated points across all three phases of the 684-hectare Hinjewadi IT Park under MIDC jurisdiction. Phase 3, in particular, has seen a surge in large-scale residential projects alongside the tech campuses that occupy the majority of the park’s 146 plots.The plant will be operated by Abhay Bio CNG, a firm that already manages similar waste-to-energy projects in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.“Construction is in its final stages,” said Kanchan Bhalerao, CEO of Abhay Bio CNG. “We plan to set up a refueling station at the site for local vehicles or transport the gas via cascades to other stations.”The initiative comes as a response to deteriorating hygiene conditions in the area. MIDC officials have noted frequent instances of garbage being dumped in roadside trenches and underground ducts, leading to foul odours and environmental hazards. More critically, the accumulated waste poses a fire risk to underground utility cables, particularly high-voltage electricity lines.The problem is exacerbated by lack of civic discipline among commuters. “Many people toss garbage bags out of their cars while on the way to work,” said Satyam Joshi, a tech professional residing in Hinjewadi. “Just recently, I saw a driver pull up near Wipro Circle, throw a waste bag out of the window, and speed off. It’s a major nuisance for those of us living and working here.”
