‘SWaCH’ Ganpati Festival: Waste pickers Of SWaCH To Collect Nirmalya At 40 Prime Immersion Locations Across Pune City
Pune, 23rd September 2023: For over 15 years, the dedicated waste pickers of SWaCH have played a pivotal role in collecting segregated votive offerings during Pune’s renowned Ganpati Festival. This year marks the 16th edition of the “Nirmalya to Nisarga” initiative, as over 200 waste pickers stationed at 40 prime immersion locations on 23rd and 28th September across the city undertake the mission to ensure that nature thrives amid the vibrant celebration vibe.
This pioneering initiative, which began in 2007, has consistently seen waste pickers collect over 100 tons of Nirmalya for composting every season of the festival. It involves the retrieval of votive offerings such as flowers, leaves, and durva, ensuring they return to nature through environmentally friendly means. By respecting cultural sensitivities and preserving the essence of the city’s traditions, SWaCH waste pickers collaborate closely with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to champion environmental conservation within the city.
This partnership has fostered a robust bond between waste pickers and the city’s residents. These same waste pickers, who diligently collect waste from every doorstep throughout the year, also stand as guardians of cleanliness during one of the city’s grandest festivals.
Vidya Naiknaware, Board Member of SWaCH, reflected on their unique relationship with citizens, saying, “When we visit homes to collect waste, citizens invite us and make us a part of their Ganpati celebrations and offer us prasad. These moments are a testament to our identity as fellow citizens of Pune. We understand that if we were to take a day off during the festival, the city would be burdened with heaps of waste. With this sense of responsibility, we have been faithfully attending immersion ghats for 15 years to collect Nirmalya. This year, too, we appeal to Pune’s citizens to contribute to our mission by handing over Nirmalya separately to SWaCH waste pickers. Please ensure that no other waste is mixed with it. Together, we are committed to safeguarding the environment and culture of our beloved city.”
SWaCH waste pickers will be stationed at the following 40 designated locations on the 23rd and 28th of September to collect Nirmalya. SWaCH cooperative and PMC jointly appeal to all citizens to refrain from disposing of Nirmalya in open areas, on bridges, or in water bodies within the city. Instead, citizens are encouraged to entrust their Nirmalya to SWaCH waste pickers, reinforcing the shared commitment to protect Pune’s Nature and Culture.
Ward – Nirmalya Collection Centers
Aundh-Baner
Aundh Gaon (Rajiv Gandhi Bridge)
Shanta Apte Ghat
Abdul Kalam Jalataran Talao
Mahadeo Ghat
Wakeshwar Mandir, Ganpati Ghat, Pashan
Someshwarwadi Ganpati Ghat, Pashan
Kasba – Vishrambagwada
S.M. Joshi Bridge
Omkareshwar (Bhide Bridge)
Kondhwa-Yewalewadi
Katraj Lake
Dhole Patil Road
Shahu Udyan Jalataran Kendra
Bund Garden
Sangan Ghat Haud and Nadipatra
Dhankawadi – Sahakarnagar
Katraj Ghat
Thorave School, Near Bharati Vidyapith
Tulsibaug wale colony ground
Dhankawadi Post Office
Near Sharadchandra Pawar Bahuuddeshiya Bhavan
Bibwewadi
Bhimale Garden Ghat
Indira Nagar Police Chowki
Gangadham Chowk
Yerwada – Kalas – Dhanori
Chima Ghat
Bharatnagar Ghat
Warje Karvenagar
Rajaram Bridge D.P Road
Shivane ZP School
Karvenagar Smashanbhumi
Warje Smashanbhumi
Shivajinagar – Ghole Road
Garware College
Panchaleshwar
Patanga Ghat, Deccan
Vruddheshwar Ghat, Mutha river
Sinhagad Road:
Vitthalwadi
Dhareshwar Mandir
Nanded Gaon River Bridge
Krikitwadi Arogya Kothi, Near ZP school
Narhe Gaonthan
Hadapsar – Mundhwa:
Mundhwa Bridge
Annasaheb Magar Arogya Kothi
Manjari Gaonthan River
Nagar Road:
Mundhwa Bridge
Vadgaon Sheri Old Ghat
Vadgaon Sheri New Ghat
