Pune’s Massive Cleanup Drive Post-Flood: 228 Tons of Garbage Removed
Pune, 28th July 2024: In the aftermath of the recent floods, Pune faced extensive damage as water inundated homes, accumulated mud and silt, and left large amounts of debris across major roads, internal roads, and societies.
On Saturday, a massive cleanup campaign was initiated in the flood-affected areas by volunteers from the Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan, in collaboration with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) employees and sanitation workers from Thane Panvel Municipal Corporation. The combined efforts led to the removal of 228 tons of garbage, 26 tons of sludge, and 33 tons of litter from the city.
The flood situation arose when water was released from Khadakwasla Dam early on Thursday due to heavy rainfall in the dam’s catchment area. The late warning from the administration left many citizens unprepared, resulting in significant water damage to homes, societies, and settlements along the river. Additionally, local markets, major roads, internal roads, and society premises were inundated with garbage, mud, and silt, necessitating a large-scale cleanup operation.
For two days, the Municipal Solid Waste Management Department, disaster prevention room, and all ward offices worked to clean residential areas. However, many public places remained neglected until the Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan provided assistance. On Saturday, 2,304 volunteers, municipal officials, and employees participated in the cleanup campaign, prioritizing areas such as Sinhagad Road, Ekta Nagar, Adarsh Nagar, Matoshree Ramabai Ambedkar Road, Yerwada, and Aundh.
Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, Additional Commissioner Prithviraj BP, Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Department Sandeep Kadam, and Deputy Commissioners Kishori Shinde, Jayant Bhosekar, and Sanjay Shinde were present during the operation.
Volunteers used various equipment to remove mud, silt, and garbage from roads, markets, shops, and societies. Pesticides were also sprayed, and provisions for drinking water, food, and mobile toilets were made for displaced citizens. A health check-up campaign was also conducted.
Cleaning Locations:
– Deccan Gymkhana Bhide Bridge
– Pulachi Wadi
– Patil Estate
– Sangamwadi
– Tapodham-Karvenagar
– Sinhagad Road
– Nimbajnagar
– Adarsh Nagar
– Suncity Flyover
– Phulenagar
– Vishrantwadi
– Shantinagar Slum
– Mula Road Colony
