Pune: PMC to Adopt Indore’s Cleanliness Model, Launches Pilot in Kasba Peth

PUNE: Following a study tour of Indore, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to adopt key elements of Indore’s cleanliness and garbage collection model. Municipal Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale, along with PMC’s solid waste management staff, visited Indore to learn about its sanitation practices.

Bhosale acknowledged that while the demographic profile of Indore and Pune differs, Indore has successfully implemented several best practices. “There is greater citizen participation, and municipal employees work hard to maintain cleanliness. On a pilot basis, we will implement these practices in the Kasba Peth assembly constituency. If successful, we will replicate the model across Pune city,” he stated.

One major challenge identified is encroachments, especially by hawkers. “Indore has fewer encroachments than Pune. We need to initiate a special drive against illegal hawkers, as their numbers have increased over the years. Forming ward-wise teams for this purpose is necessary,” Bhosale added.

An official from Indore’s municipal corporation, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted their strict enforcement measures. “We ensure citizen participation and impose penalties for garbage mismanagement. We collect over ₹3 lakh daily in fines for violations. This is not to generate revenue but to instill cleanliness habits among citizens,” he said.

The visit to Indore was organized by Kasba Peth MLA Hemant Rasane in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh government. The delegation included municipal officials and representatives from Ganesh Mandals. Indore has consistently ranked first in the Swachh Survekshan (Cleanliness Survey), whereas Pune currently holds the tenth position nationally.

Rasane expressed confidence that the visit would inspire PMC employees. “Seeing Indore’s success firsthand will motivate them. If Indore can achieve this, so can Pune. I expect them to share their learnings and implement better cleanliness practices in Kasba Peth soon,” he said.