Calls for public participation in state-wide cleanliness drive

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde initiated the ‘Deep Clean’ Campaign in Thane, emphasizing that the campaign should not merely be a government initiative but a collective movement led by the people. The comprehensive cleanliness campaign, spanning Mumbai, Mumbai metropolis, and the MMRDA area, will be executed in phases across the entire state.

The campaign's inauguration took place from the Wagle Ward Committee area on Saturday, 30^th December with active participation of various dignitaries, including Thane Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar, Police Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbare, Collector Ashok Shingare, former MLA Ravindra Phatak, former mayor Naresh Mhaske, and several local community leaders and volunteers.

Chief Minister Shinde actively participated in the campaign, commencing at 6:30 am, overseeing cleanliness efforts at 180 locations within the Wagle area. Engaging alongside sanitation workers, he inspected various sites, wielding a broom to contribute hands-on to the cleaning process. Notably, he directed attention to areas such as Three Hath Naka, Modela Naka, Wagle Main Road, and BMC Pipeline on Road No. 21 and 22, ensuring thorough sanitation.

In his address, CM Shinde advocated for a sustainable approach to mitigate pollution in Thane. He emphasized the need to create green spaces, parks, and urban forests utilizing the Miyawaki method of tree plantation. Highlighting the correlation between cleanliness and civic responsibility. He further voiced for cleaner spaces and discourage littering.

Additionally, he directed authorities to strategize traffic management, ensuring convenience for citizens, and delineating spaces for hawkers within designated zones.

Praising the meticulous planning by the Thane Municipal Corporation, CM Shinde acknowledged the dedication of cleaning workers Jayesh Gaikwad and Anita Shirsat, honouring them for their commitment.

The ‘Deep Clean’ Campaign will continue across all ward committees until February 24, encompassing public areas such as markets, lanes, bus stands, footpaths, and drains. Over 2500 municipal employees, 1797 sanitation workers, and over 5000 volunteers from various organizations are actively participating in the initiative. Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar stated that cleaning of the pipeline area and 116 public toilets in the Wagle area has been commenced supported by necessary machinery and tanker services.