**BMC Launches Special Cleanliness Drive to Tackle Waste Dumping in Mumbai’s Nullahs**
*Mumbai:* After multiple unsuccessful attempts to curb waste dumping in nullahs, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a new citizen awareness and cleanliness drive. A special campaign will be conducted across the city and suburbs from September 29 to October 13, aiming to remove floating waste from nullahs with active community participation.
### Systematic Cleaning Operations
As part of this drive, the BMC will carry out systematic cleaning of major nullahs (excluding mangrove areas), surrounding localities, and open drains across all civic wards. The operation will run daily from 11 AM to 1 PM and will involve staff from the Solid Waste Management (SWM) and Storm Water Drain (SWD) departments, voluntary workers, and citizens.
Engineers will identify priority nullahs, with cleaning teams focusing on the removal and proper disposal of floating waste. To ensure efficient execution, mechanised equipment such as dumpers, JCBs, water tankers, and Firex tools will be deployed during the drive.
### Activities During the Drive
Key activities during the campaign include clearing vegetation, removing discarded items, collecting waste, and thoroughly washing the surrounding areas. Floating waste extracted by the SWD Department will be handed over to the SWM Department for proper disposal.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), Dr. Ashwini Joshi, stated, “Garbage dumped by citizens into various small and large nullahs across Mumbai is a key cause of waterlogging. Despite regular cleaning efforts, illegal dumping continues to choke the drains.”
She appealed to residents to refrain from throwing waste into nullahs and instead use designated bins. “Proper disposal of waste will prevent clogging, ensure smooth water flow, and reduce the risk of flooding,” she emphasised.
### Measures to Curb Nullah Dumping
Over the years, the BMC has introduced several measures to reduce dumping in nullahs, including:
– Placing dustbins along drains
– Covering drains with nets
– Conducting awareness campaigns
– Appointing clean-up marshals
– Imposing fines on violators
It is important to note that clogged drains—mainly due to plastic bags—were among the main contributors to the catastrophic 26/7 floods in 2005, which claimed over 1,000 lives.
Mumbai currently has 309 major nullahs and 1,508 minor nullahs across the city, highlighting the scale of the challenge and the importance of sustained community efforts.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-bmc-launches-special-cleanliness-drive-to-remove-floating-waste-from-nullahs-across-city