The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has removed nearly 2.5 tonnes of waste and accumulated soil from the Sion–Panvel Highway as part of a special cleanliness campaign conducted in connection with World Environment Day initiatives. The drive was carried out from June 6 to June 10 under the direction of Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, with a focus on improving sanitation along one of the region’s busiest transport corridors.
The highway operation was part of a larger citywide cleanliness programme organised by NMMC’s Solid Waste Management Department between June 5 and June 12. The initiative follows the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and includes awareness activities aimed at encouraging responsible waste disposal and environmental stewardship among citizens.
As part of the campaign, sanitation efforts were undertaken across several locations within Navi Mumbai, including railway stations, slum clusters, village and gaothan areas, lakes, creek fronts and major road networks. The Sion–Panvel Highway received special attention due to its importance as a key traffic artery connecting different parts of the city and region.
According to civic officials, the clean-up covered multiple stretches on both sides of the highway, including Konkan Bhavan Circle to Uran Phata, Uran Phata to LP Junction, LP Junction to Shiravane Phata, Juinagar Station to the Sanpada underpass and sections passing through Vashi. Teams removed accumulated garbage, debris and soil deposits from roadside areas to improve overall cleanliness and road conditions.
The operation involved officials and sanitation workers from the Belapur, Nerul, Turbhe and Vashi ward offices, supported by Swachhta Doot volunteers. Each ward team was assigned responsibility for cleaning the portions of the highway falling within its jurisdiction.
A total of 148 sanitation workers participated in the drive. After waste collection, NMMC deployed mechanised cleaning vehicles and fogging machines to undertake additional sanitation measures along the corridor.
The campaign was supervised by Municipal Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde, while Additional Commissioner Sunil Pawar oversaw implementation. Deputy Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Dr Ajay Gadde coordinated the exercise with sanitation officers and inspectors.
NMMC officials stated that maintaining cleanliness on major transport corridors requires continuous efforts and indicated that similar drives on the Sion–Panvel Highway will be conducted regularly to ensure long-term upkeep.
Source: Prop News Time
