**Pimpri-Chinchwad: Over 2,000 Citizens Participate in Massive Cleanliness Drive**

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) witnessed a massive turnout for its citizen-led cleanliness movement on Thursday at Bhakti Shakti Chowk in Nigdi. More than 2,000 enthusiastic participants, ranging from school children to senior citizens, joined the ‘Shramdaan – One Day, One Hour, Together’ campaign.

The drive covered key areas including Bhakti Shakti Chowk, Transport Nagar Chowk, Dehu Road Chowk, Ankush Chowk, Pimpri Chowk, and Akurdi Chowk. Over the course of the campaign, approximately 12 tonnes of waste were successfully collected, marking a significant step towards a cleaner city.

The campaign was formally launched by MLC Uma Khapre and PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh. Also present were PCMC’s Additional Commissioner Vijaykumar Khorate, Deputy Commissioner Sachin Pawar, Ward Officers Nivedita Gharge and Atul Patil, former corporators, and representatives from various institutions such as the Rupinagar Senior Citizens’ Association and Mahindra Logistics.

Students from several educational institutions joined the movement enthusiastically. Participating schools and colleges included Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Amrita Vidyalaya, Modern College, Cyrus Poonawalla School, Shishuvihar Vidyalaya, Ramkrishna More Vidyalaya, and PCET College.

Speaking on the occasion, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh highlighted the city’s achievements:
“Pimpri Chinchwad ranked first in Maharashtra and seventh in the country in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. The real credit goes to our dedicated sanitation workers who work tirelessly to keep the city clean every day. With active citizen participation, we are confident that Pimpri Chinchwad will emerge as one of the cleanest cities in the country in the upcoming Swachh Survekshan 2025-26.”

He also appreciated the wide community response to the initiative and urged citizens to maintain their active involvement in the city’s cleanliness efforts.

The day began with a collective cleanliness pledge, where citizens committed to contributing at least 100 hours a year towards keeping their surroundings clean. Adding energy to the event, the ‘Fit My City’ group performed a lively Zumba session, which saw enthusiastic participation from attendees.

In an effort to sustain momentum, PCMC announced its new ‘Cleanliness Brand Ambassadors’ — community champions dedicated to spreading awareness and inspiring action citywide. The ambassadors include Mohan Gaikwad, Dr. Nandkumar Dhumal, Balasaheb Salunkhe, Sunil Kadam, Manisha Rathod, Aditi Nikam, Pawan Sharma, Arvind Bhosale, Tanaji Bhosale, Vilas Naiknavare, Sujata Pardeshi, and RJ Bandya.

A signature campaign organized as part of the event also drew strong public support, with Commissioner Shekhar Singh personally endorsing it with the message, “Cleanliness is Service.”

With such robust community involvement and sustained initiatives, Pimpri Chinchwad is poised to continue its journey toward becoming one of India’s cleanest and healthiest cities.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pimpri-chinchwad-over-2000-citizens-join-pcmcs-mega-cleanliness-drive-at-nigdis-bhakti-shakti-chowk-photos