PUNE: Extensive dumping of garbage, including large quantities of biomedical waste, across forested stretches of Katraj ghat has triggered environmental and public health concerns, prompting plans for a large-scale cleanup drive involving citizens, activists, civic authorities and the forest department. Mechanised cleaning operations in Katraj Ghat will begin on June 20, followed by citizen-driven cleanliness drive on June 21, wherein nearly 500 volunteers are expected to participate. (HT) Vikrant Singh, founder of the citizen-led initiative, Inquilab Jaitay, said, “The Katraj ghat forest is being treated like an open dumping ground. Thousands of kilograms of garbage have been dumped there, including biomedical and medical waste. We have identified 52 chronic dumping spots within a 5 km stretch. Medical waste is scattered across the forest, creating a serious threat to wildlife, the environment and public health.” Singh said that his team has been working continuously for the last few years to remove the accumulated waste from the forest area. However, indiscriminate dumping has continued unabated, severely impacting the fragile ecosystem. Singh warned that the onset of the …