Yet, SWaCH waste pickers await a long term contract renewal with essential demands . On August 30th, waste pickers protested to protect their livelihood due to delays in renewing their long-term contract, which is crucial for security and continuity of service. Despite these uncertainties, the waste pickers remain dedicated to their mission and will uphold their commitment to ensuring an environmentally conscious and culturally respectful celebration.
Saru Waghmare, Board Member of SWaCH, reflected on their unique relationship with citizens and their current challenges, saying, “When we visit homes to collect waste, citizens invite us and make us a part of their Ganpati celebrations and offer us prasad. These moments are a testament to our identity as fellow citizens of Pune. Despite the ongoing delays in renewing our long-term contract, which are essential for our work security, we are committed to continuing our work. We understand that if we were to take a day off during the festival, the city would be burdened with heaps of waste. With this sense of responsibility, we have been faithfully attending immersion ghats for 16 years to collect Nirmalya. This year, too, we appeal to Pune’s citizens to contribute to our mission by handing over Nirmalya separately to SWaCH waste pickers. Please ensure that no other waste is mixed with it. Together, we are committed to safeguarding the environment and culture of our beloved city.”
SWaCH waste pickers will be stationed at 45 designated locations on the 12th and 17th of September to collect Nirmalya. SWaCH cooperative and PMC jointly appeal to all citizens to refrain from disposing of Nirmalya in open areas, on bridges, or in water bodies within the city. Instead, citizens are encouraged to entrust their Nirmalya to SWaCH waste pickers, reinforcing the shared commitment to protect Pune’s Nature and Culture.
| Area | Nirmalya Collection Centers |
| Aundh-Pashan-Baner | Aundh Gaon (Rajiv Gandhi Bridge) |
| Shanta Apte Ghat | |
| Abdul Kalam Jalataran Talao | |
| Mahadeo Ghat | |
| Wakeshwar Mandir, Ganpati Ghat, Pashan | |
| Kasba – Vishrambaugwada | S.M. Joshi Bridge |
| Omkareshwar (Bhide Bridge) | |
| Mother Teressa Garden, Dattawadi Ghat | |
| Kondhwa-Yewalewadi | Katraj Lake |
| Shivshambho Nagar Ghat | |
| Dhole Patil Road | Shahu Udyan Jalataran Kendra |
| Bund Garden | |
| Sangam Ghat Haud and Nadipatra | |
| Dhankawadi – Sahakarnagar | Katraj Ghat |
| Thorave School, Near Bharati Vidyapith | |
| Teen Hatti Chowk | |
| Dhankawadi Post Office, Near Sharadchandra Pawar Bahuuddeshiya Bhavan | |
| Nagar Road | Vadgaon Sheri Old Ghat |
| Mundhwa Bridge, Sainath Nagar | |
| Vadgaon Sheri New Ghat | |
| Bibwewadi | Bhimale Garden Ghat |
| Indira Nagar Police Chowki | |
| Gangadham Chowk | |
| Premnagar Parking | |
| Yashwantrao Chavan PMC School | |
| Uppar Krida Sankul | |
| Yerwada – Kalas – Dhanori | Chima Ghat |
| Bharatnagar Ghat | |
| Warje Karvenagar | Rajaram Bridge D.P Road |
| Shivane ZP School | |
| Karvenagar Smashanbhumi | |
| Warje Smashanbhumi | |
| Shivajinagar – Ghole Road | Garware College |
| Panchaleshwar | |
| Patanga Ghat, Deccan | |
| Vruddheshwar Ghat, Mutha river | |
| Sinhagad Road | Vitthalwadi |
| Dhayareshwar Arogya Kothi, near Bus Stop | |
| Nanded Gaon River Bridge | |
| Krikitwadi Arogya Kothi, Near ZP school | |
| Narhe Gaothan | |
| Hadapsar – Mundhwa | Mundhwa Bridge |
| Annasaheb Magar Arogya Kothi | |
| Manjari Gaonthan river | |
| Kothrud – Bavdhan | Bavdhan Smashanbhumi |