PMC and PPCR join hands to launch a sustainable waste management campaign

PUNE: The Pune Platform for Collaborative Response (PPCR) and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced the launch of a joint campaign to implement a solid waste management system and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) module in Kasba – Vishrambaugwada, Pune. The campaign, titled ‘Majhe Pune, Swachh Pune’, aims to improve the cleanliness and sanitation of the area and promote responsible waste disposal among the residents.

The launch event took place on May 17, 2023, at Kesari Wada, Narayan Peth, Pune. The Chief Guest on the occasion was the Hon’ble Guardian Minister of Pune, Shri Chandrakant Dada Patil Ji. The event also witnessed the presence of Vikram Kumar, Pune Municipal Commissioner, Kunal Khemnar, Additional Commissioner and Asha Raut, Deputy Commissioner (Solid Waste Management Department), and Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Ashish Bhandari, Rajeev Kher, Indraneel Chitale, Manoj Pochat, and Ravi Pandit from PPCR, Mahesh Suryawanshi from Dagdusheth Trust, and Pune brand ambassadors for Swachh Bharat Mission, Dr. Saleel Kulkarni and Rutuja Bhosle.

Being executed by two agencies – Social Labs and Janwani – for a duration of 12 months, the campaign aims to achieve three primary deliverables – 100% waste collection, 80% waste segregation at source, and the removal of all chronic spots/garbage vulnerable points (GVPs) from the area. A primary survey with 85 waste pickers and 7,575 citizens in the area was undertaken earlier to decide on the course of action. The campaign is anticipated to impact more than 2.8 lakh people, including approximately 85,000 residences, 23,000 commercial establishments, and 12,000 slums. The project will also endeavor to remove nearly 240 chronic spots.

Commenting on the campaign, Ashish Bhandari, Co-lead, PPCR, said, “This is a one-of-its-kind initiative where various corporates, NGOs, voluntary groups and urban local body have come forward to spread mass awareness among citizens. We firmly believe in contributing to the well-being of the environment through sustainable waste management practices. We are proud to partner in this campaign with PMC, which substantiates our vision of a cleaner tomorrow, and are confident that this initiative will set a benchmark for other Pune wards to follow.”

Vikram Kumar, from PMC, said, “We are excited to launch this pilot project in Kasba-Vishrambauag Wada which will be further implemented across the city to ensure 100 percent coverage and segregation in the city. This will help PMC to eliminate the garbage vulnerable points, maximize processing of the waste and improve the recycling of waste to ensure circular economy.”