After Team India’s T20 World Cup victory parade, BMC collects over 11,000 kg waste from Marine Drive

• Image Credit: Google

• Jul 7, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

BMC's diligent efforts underscore the importance of responsible waste management in preserving the city's natural beauty and urban environment...

Digital Desk: Following the euphoric celebrations of the Indian Cricket Team's T20 World Cup victory, Mumbai's Marine Drive witnessed a mammoth cleanup operation by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). On the morning after the celebratory parade, BMC officials reported a staggering collection of 11,500 kg (11.5 metric tonnes) of waste spanning the iconic promenade.

The parade, which stretched 1.7 kilometers from the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) to the Wankhede Stadium, drew an enormous crowd of cricket enthusiasts. Fans packed the streets and stadium stands alike, creating an atmosphere of jubilation as they cheered on their victorious team and the coveted T20 World Cup trophy.

However, the aftermath painted a contrasting scene along Marine Drive. What began as a festive spectacle left behind heaps of garbage including plastic bottles, chip wrappers, cups, paper, clothes, and even footwear. The chaos and excitement of the event contributed to the littering, prompting swift action from BMC authorities.

A senior BMC official detailed the cleanup efforts, explaining how despite the challenges posed by the dense crowd, the cleanliness drive commenced promptly after the parade concluded. "We had to navigate through fluffy materials which occupy volume but not much weight," the official remarked, highlighting the logistical complexities involved in handling such large-scale waste.

Overnight, BMC mobilized a team of civic staffers and 25 laborers sourced through NGOs to tackle the extensive cleanup. The operation utilized heavy machinery including a dumper and a compactor, capable of handling substantial quantities of waste. Additionally, five small closed-body vehicles were employed to gather miscellaneous items such as shoes and slippers, which were later earmarked for recycling at the Suraksha Garden facility.

By 8 am the next day, BMC had successfully cleared the littered stretch of Marine Drive, ensuring the area was restored to its pristine state for morning walkers and regular commuters. The prompt and efficient response garnered praise from residents and netizens alike, who took to social media to commend BMC's efforts in swiftly restoring cleanliness to the city's iconic promenade.

The cleanup operation serves as a testament to BMC's commitment to maintaining Mumbai's public spaces amidst large-scale events and celebrations. As the city continues to host such gatherings, civic authorities remain vigilant in ensuring that post-event cleanups are conducted promptly and effectively, reflecting their dedication to environmental stewardship and community well-being.

While the T20 World Cup victory brought moments of joy and unity to Mumbai, BMC's diligent efforts underscore the importance of responsible waste management in preserving the city's natural beauty and urban environment.

An X user, @ivaibhavk, shared a video and wrote, “A big thank you to the sanitation workers of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Before the citizens who celebrated the World Cup victory parade woke up, the sanitation workers had already cleaned and tidied up the Marine Drive area. The previous night, the Marine Drive area was littered with thousands of shoes and sandals, and these workers were busy removing the garbage until dawn. By morning, they had restored Mumbai to its original state. We should all express our gratitude to these workers. Attached are two videos, one from the night and one from the morning.”