Pune Citizen’s Crusade: 75 volunteers clean up 3 tonnes of garbage waste from Kalyani Nagar riverside

In an inspiring display of community action, a lone citizen’s initiative has sparked a significant cleanup effort in Pune, underscoring the power of individual action in fostering change. Swachh Pune Swachh Bharat, a dedicated team committed to promoting cleanliness in the city, recently joined forces with various groups to tackle the daunting task of revitalizing Pune’s rivers.

Saksham Sharda from Kalyani Nagar took the lead by reaching out to Swachh Pune Swachh Bharat, prompting the organization to organize a large-scale cleanup event on March 26th. Recognizing the enormity of the challenge, a collaborative effort was orchestrated, bringing together five different teams including Adar Poonawala Clean City, Being Volunteer, Robinhood Army, Inquilab Jayate, and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

With the combined efforts of 75 volunteers and a 20-member PMC team, the cleanup operation commenced in the early hours of Saturday, extending well into the late afternoon. Utilizing heavy-duty machinery, the team worked tirelessly to remove over three tonnes of wet waste, largely originating from nearby hotels, which had been polluting the river.

While the immediate crisis has been addressed, the need for sustained action remains evident. Measures such as imposing heavy fines and implementing systematic waste collection from hotels are crucial steps in preventing further pollution. Swachh Pune Swachh Bharat stands ready to support any individual willing to tackle similar garbage dumping sites across the city.

Despite the valiant efforts of a mere 16,000 swachh workers supporting a population exceeding 60 lakh, the aspiration of making Pune a model of cleanliness hinges on active citizen participation. This collaborative endeavor serves as a testament to the potential for grassroots action to effect positive change and underscores the collective responsibility in safeguarding the environment for future generations.