Pune Waste Collector Anju Mane Returns Rs 10 Lakh, Wins Hearts of Residents
Pune Waste Collector Anju Mane Returns Rs 10 Lakh, Wins Hearts of Residents
Honesty and dedication shone brightly on November 20 when Anju Mane, a veteran SWaCH waste collector, made a remarkable discovery in Pune’s Sadashiv Peth area. While carrying out her routine work from 7 am, Mane noticed a bag lying unattended on the roadside between 8 and 9 am—a bag that would test her integrity.
Having transported waste in the area for nearly 20 years, Mane is familiar with the local residents and their routines. She safely took the bag to the feeder point, but upon inspecting it, realized it contained not only medicines but also a large sum of money—Rs 10 lakh in cash.
Determined to find the owner, Mane reached out to neighbors and contacts in the area. During her search, she spotted a man frantically looking for something. She and nearby residents offered him water and reassurance, eventually confirming that the bag belonged to him. Mane returned the bag exactly as she found it, preserving its contents.
The grateful citizen expressed his appreciation by gifting Mane a saree and some cash, while local residents joined in to felicitate her, applauding her honesty and the trust she has built over two decades of service.
This incident underscores the vital role of SWaCH waste collectors in Pune. Around 4,000 collectors provide daily door-to-door garbage collection to nearly 40 lakh residents, fostering relationships built on reliability and trust. For 20 years, waste collectors like Mane have become more than service providers—they are respected members of their communities.
