Pune: PMC Launches ‘Swachhta Parv Awards’ to Boost Cleanliness Through Public Participation
Pune, 20th February 2026: In an effort to improve urban cleanliness through public participation, the Pune Municipal Corporation has launched a citywide competition titled “Swachhta Parv Awards,” aimed at encouraging institutions and communities to maintain hygienic surroundings.
The initiative was inaugurated on the occasion of Shiv Jayanti by Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, following a proposal by Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram to involve citizens directly in cleanliness efforts. Civic officials said the move comes amid growing concerns over visible waste accumulation across several parts of Pune, attributing the issue to both administrative gaps and lack of public awareness.
Under the programme, hotels, housing societies, hospitals, schools, marketplaces, government offices, and all 15 ward offices are eligible to participate. Registration will take place during March and April, during which participants will receive guidelines on preparation and evaluation criteria.
The competition will run from May through September, with appointed inspection panels conducting site visits to assess cleanliness standards. Two additional independent committees will also evaluate entries to ensure fairness, and winners will be selected based on the average scores awarded by all panels. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 2, marking Gandhi Jayanti.
Deputy Commissioner Santosh Warule said the initiative focuses on involving sectors that generate significant waste while also having the potential to spread awareness. He expressed confidence that the competitive format would motivate participants and contribute to making the city cleaner.
