For more than 15 years, the diligent waste pickers of SWaCH have been pivotal in collecting segregated votive offerings during Pune’s celebrated Ganpati Festival. This year marks the 16th edition of the “Nirmalya to Nisarga” initiative, with over 200 dedicated waste pickers stationed at 40 key immersion sites across Pune on September 23rd and 28th. Their mission: to ensure that the festival’s exuberance coexists harmoniously with nature.
A Pioneering Eco-Initiative
Initiated in 2007, “Nirmalya to Nisarga” has consistently witnessed waste pickers gathering over 100 tons of Nirmalya (votive offerings) each festival season for eco-friendly composting. These offerings, including flowers, leaves, and durva, are returned to nature, aligning with environmentally sustainable practices. SWaCH waste pickers work in close collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), respecting cultural sensitivities while championing environmental conservation within the city.
Guardians of Tradition and Cleanliness
The enduring partnership between waste pickers and city residents is testament to their unique role. While they diligently collect waste throughout the year, they also act as custodians of cleanliness during one of Pune’s grandest festivals. Their dedication fosters a deep bond with the citizens they serve.
Appeal for Citizen Participation
Vidya Naiknaware, Board Member of SWaCH, emphasized their shared identity as fellow Pune citizens and appealed to the public: “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.”
Key Collection Locations
SWaCH waste pickers will be stationed at 40 designated locations on September 23rd and 28th to collect Nirmalya. Pune’s residents are urged not to dispose of Nirmalya in open areas, on bridges, or in water bodies within the city. Instead, they are encouraged to entrust their Nirmalya to SWaCH waste pickers, reinforcing their shared commitment to protecting Pune’s Nature and Culture.
List of Collection Centers by Ward:
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
