Community Unites For Third Tekdi And Hills Clean-Up Drive In Pune; Over 60 Volunteers Collect More Than 100 Bags Of Waste
Reported by Siddhi Dharmadhikari
Pune, 17th May 2025: In a bid to make Pune a cleaner and greener city, the Pune Branch of the Western India Chartered Accountants Students’ Association (WICASA) organized a tree plantation and clean-up drive in the Bhamburda forest area, covering ARAI Hills, Vetal Tekdi, Hanuman Tekdi, and Patrakar Nagar Tekdi, on Saturday morning (17th May).
The third consecutive cleanliness drive, held from 6 am to 10 am, saw the participation of over 60 volunteers, including CA students and local residents. The event gained additional momentum as several morning walkers joined the initiative after witnessing the clean-up efforts. The drive was conducted under the guidance of Padmini Panse.
Volunteers of all ages took part in the drive, with the youngest being 4-year-old Adi Panse, who assisted in distributing safety gear such as gloves, masks, sanitizer, and garbage bags. Senior citizens in their 60s also participated, maintaining a joyful yet disciplined atmosphere throughout the activity.
Speaking to Punekar News, Padmini Panse, Founder of the Multiple Intelligence Research Academy (MIRA) and owner of Café Mhuzo Goa—a book café on FC Road—mentioned that Law College Tekdi Hanuman Mandal provided safety gear to the volunteers, including caps, gloves, masks, and garbage bags. The Mandal also offered refreshments like biscuits and Frooti to keep participants energized.
During the drive, approximately 3,000 discarded alcohol bottles were collected, indicating a serious littering issue in the area. Panse noted that over a thousand bottles were already collected in the previous two drives, and this time alone, they managed to gather 3,000 bottles. “Everyone needs to address this issue. These areas are visited by children and elders alike. Let’s all work together to create a cleaner and safer environment,” Panse emphasized.
Volunteers filled a total of 101 garbage bags, underscoring the extensive volume of waste removed during the drive. Former corporator Madhuri Sahastrabuddhe coordinated with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to ensure the collected waste was promptly transported for recycling.
Panse remarked, “The initiative was more than just a clean-up—it was a collective step toward fostering environmental awareness.” She highlighted that the garbage accumulation was a consequence of human actions, contributing to environmental degradation.
Looking ahead, Panse informed that the team is planning a fruit seed plantation drive in late June as part of their ongoing initiative to further the cause of environmental conservation.
