Mumbai: In the wake of Anant Chaturdashi, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated an extensive post-immersion cleanliness drive across the city's beaches and chowpatties. As Mumbaikars bid an emotional farewell to Lord Ganesha, the city’s civic body embarked on a swift and meticulous cleanup operation, collecting an impressive 363 metric tonnes of solid waste over the course of two days. The operation covered key immersion sites, including Swarajya Bhoomi (Girgaon Chowpatty), Dadar, Chimbai, Juhu, Vesave, Madh, and Gorai chowpatties.
Thousands of workers and volunteers from various sectors, including NGOs, schools, and colleges, contributed to the cleanup efforts. The BMC’s Solid Waste Management Department, aided by 7,000 workers, worked tirelessly throughout the day and night, ensuring that the city’s popular public spaces were restored to their pristine condition. This swift action has been particularly appreciated by early-morning walkers who frequent these areas.
This year’s Ganeshotsav celebrations saw the collection of 550 metric tonnes of Nirmalya, floral offerings and other biodegradable waste—from both natural and artificial immersion sites. In a significant step towards sustainability, the BMC has begun the process of converting this Nirmalya into organic fertilizer. The Nirmalya is being processed across 37 organic fertilizer production centers located in 24 administrative divisions of the city.
Over 500 Nirmalya Kalash (collection vessels) were strategically placed at 250 natural sites and 204 artificial ponds throughout Mumbai to encourage environmentally conscious disposal of floral offerings. These collection efforts were supported by a fleet of 350 vehicles and over 6,000 personnel.
The fertilizer production is expected to be completed within a month, and the organic manure produced will be used in Mumbai’s public parks, enhancing the city's green spaces.
BMC Commissioner Dr. Bhushan Gagrani, along with Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr. (Mrs.) Ashwini Joshi, oversaw the entire operation. Both officials personally visited various chowpatties on September 18 to inspect the cleanliness proceedings and interact with sanitation staff, NGO volunteers, and students who participated in the drive. Dr. Gagrani commended the efforts of all those involved and gave additional instructions to ensure the operation continued smoothly.
During the cleanup, large quantities of discarded items, including food wrappers, water bottles, footwear, and plastic bags, were also collected.
