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A large-scale cleanliness drive was carried out on the Sion-Panvel Highway and Thane-Belapur Road in Navi Mumbai, where more than 7,000 citizens, civic officials, staff, and volunteers participated despite heavy rainfall. The initiative, conducted under the ongoing 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign of the Central Government, saw significant involvement from over 5,000 members of Dr Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan. The civic body emphasised public participation, with additional commissioners and senior officials also joining the efforts, reinforcing Navi Mumbai's commitment to maintaining its reputation as a clean city.
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), under the guidance of Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, has been actively conducting daily activities as part of the Central Government's 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign. Recognising that no civic initiative can succeed without public involvement, the corporation ensured widespread citizen participation in each activity. Advertisement
This past week, a major cleanliness drive was undertaken on two key arterial routes - the Sion-Panvel Highway and Thane-Belapur Road. Beginning at 7 a.m. on a Sunday public holiday, the campaign attracted over 7,000 enthusiastic citizens, municipal officials, sanitation staff, and cleanliness volunteers, all demonstrating their commitment to maintaining the city's hygiene despite incessant rainfall.
A prominent contribution came from more than 5,000 members of Dr Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan, guided by Padma Shri and Maharashtra Bhushan awardee Dr Appasaheb Dharmadhikari along with Dr Sachindada Dharmadhikari. Their dedicated service highlighted the spirit of voluntary participation. Senior officials, including Additional Commissioner Sunil Pawar, Deputy Commissioner for Solid Waste Management Dr Ajay Ghadge, and Assistant Commissioner of Belapur Division Dr Amol Palve, joined citizens and volunteers at Uran Phata, where a collective cleanliness oath was taken before the activities commenced.
During his address, Additional Commissioner Pawar underlined the importance of waste segregation and the need to eliminate single-use plastic from daily life. He noted that cleanliness should be prioritised by all and suggested that those contributing to littering must also be dissuaded. He appreciated the members of the Pratishthan for their discipline, selfless service, and determination to complete the task despite adverse weather conditions.
While the Sion-Panvel Highway officially falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department, the civic body closely monitors its cleanliness, given its importance to Navi Mumbai's reputation as a clean city. The campaign was meticulously planned, with stretches of highways assigned to different groups of Pratishthan members. Local citizens, NGOs, NSS students, and NMMC staff joined them in their respective zones, ensuring an organised and efficient effort.
The work involved cutting overgrown grass, clearing wild shrubs, cleaning blocked water inlets to restore drainage flow, and removing accumulated silt. Volunteers collected plastic bottles, broken glass, food wrappers, papers, and cloth waste. Particular focus was given to bus stops, where littering by commuters was found to be extensive. Additional Commissioner Pawar instructed that such spots must receive regular attention.
Despite heavy rain, citizens carrying umbrellas and wearing raincoats turned out in large numbers, creating a visible city-wide cleanliness movement. Travellers on these busy routes were seen observing the campaign with curiosity from their vehicles.
The municipal body reiterated that the overwhelming response reflected Navi Mumbaikars' unity and dedication to cleanliness. Officials expressed hope that citizens would continue showing similar enthusiasm for the concluding events of the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign in the coming week.
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