Pune: A complaint regarding the unhygienic conditions in Tamhini Ghat reached the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), leading to an immediate directive for action.

In response, the local administration has announced a large-scale cleanliness drive in the region on Sunday, February 23, coinciding with Sant Gadge Baba Jayanti. In addition to government authorities, several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have pledged their support for the initiative.

According to campaign coordinator Samir Potnis, the movement was sparked by a complaint from his brother, Rohan Deshpande, an Australia-based Indian who was distressed by the condition of Tamhini Ghat during a recent visit to Pune.

Disturbed by the sight of accumulated waste in the area, Deshpande decided to take action by writing a formal complaint to the PMO last month. Recognizing the urgency of the matter, the PMO directed the Pune District Collector’s Office to take necessary steps for a clean-up operation.

Potnis emphasized that maintaining cleanliness is not solely the responsibility of the government but also a fundamental duty of citizens. "To ensure the campaign's success and maximize public participation, we are mobilizing support from local communities. The goal is to not only clean up the area but also raise awareness about responsible waste disposal," he added.

The drive in Tamhini Ghat is expected to set an example of citizen-government collaboration in environmental conservation.