Ahmedabad recently celebrated the 148th Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. This year, the city’s solid waste management department achieved impressive results. They managed to keep the 22-kilometre route clean, generating only 32 metric tonnes of waste. This low amount of waste was due to the city’s proactive approach and community participation.
The Rath Yatra began at Jamalpur, attracting a large crowd. The municipal solid waste director, Vijay Mistry, stated that the department had planned ahead. They deployed cleaning staff and teams to manage litter along the route in real-time. This ensured that the area remained clean despite the large number of visitors.
The collected waste included various types of rubbish. The team separated flowers, plastic, and other garbage. They processed this waste at a nearby plant. The total waste included 17.5 metric tonnes of kitchen waste, 4 metric tonnes of religious offerings, 1.5 metric tonnes of plastic bottles, and 5 metric tonnes of dry waste.
To ensure the health and safety of the attendees, the department distributed garbage bags to people in the procession. Cleaning workers were stationed at regular intervals to collect waste. In total, 101 trucks were used to gather rubbish, and 38 door-to-door vehicles, along with 8 compactors, were deployed for efficient waste collection.
Cleaning machines, including 4 mechanical sweepers, helped keep the area tidy. Additionally, 10 water tankers were involved in cleaning around 30 public toilets along the route. The cleaning operation continued late into the night after the return of the chariots to their temples.
The efforts of the solid waste management department show how effective planning and community involvement can lead to successful event management. This year’s Rath Yatra was not only a spiritual celebration but also a demonstration of good waste management practices. The reduced waste generation highlights the importance of cleanliness during large public events and encourages citizens to participate in maintaining their environment.
In conclusion, Ahmedabad’s solid waste management team deserves praise for their hard work during the Rath Yatra. Their efforts ensured that the city remained clean while allowing thousands to enjoy the festival. Such initiatives set an example for other cities to follow during major public events.
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