Pune: As part of the "Nirmalya to Nature" initiative, waste pickers from Swachh demonstrated their unwavering commitment to an environmentally friendly Ganeshotsav this year, further strengthening their bond with the city.
With over 200 waste pickers stationed at 46 major immersion points, they successfully collected an estimated 125 tons of Nirmalya (organic offerings like flowers and leaves) during the festival.
The collected Nirmalya was handed over to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for composting, marking a significant step towards sustainable celebration practices.
The waste pickers worked tirelessly alongside citizens throughout the day and into the night, ensuring that the Nirmalya was collected responsibly. In addition to Nirmalya, they managed to sort through 34 tons of dry waste, further underscoring their vital role in protecting the environment.
Their ongoing efforts, part of a tradition that began 15 years ago, have significantly transformed how Ganeshotsav is celebrated in Pune, making it more environmentally conscious.
On September 12 and 17, volunteers from corporate sectors, schools, and colleges joined the waste pickers at major immersion centers, helping to sort the offerings into categories such as flowers, leaves, and grass, all destined for composting.
Over the past 8 years, the "Nirmalya to Nature" initiative has processed approximately 800 tons of Nirmalya, contributing significantly to eco-friendly waste management practices.
Waste pickers are the unsung heroes behind Pune's cleanliness, and their tireless contributions have not gone unnoticed. The public and festival organizers have increasingly recognized their role in keeping the city clean.
The Swachh organization reached out to over 8,000 households across 50 major residential societies this year, raising awareness about the recycling of clay Ganpati idols and encouraging families to adopt eco-friendly immersion practices.
In a heartwarming gesture, several prominent Ganesh mandals invited waste pickers to lead the aarti ceremonies and honored them for their invaluable contributions.
Their role in managing the waste generated by the festivities was celebrated, and their efforts were acknowledged not only during the festival but throughout the year.
This year's preparations began with an awareness campaign launched during Raksha Bandhan, where Swachh waste pickers promoted the idea of an eco-friendly Ganeshotsav.
Major Ganesh mandals such as Kasba Ganpati, Bhau Rangari, Tulshibaug, and Kesari Wada participated in this campaign, showing the collective commitment of the city’s residents to preserving both their culture and the environment.
