‘Maha Swachhta Abhiyan’ Spreads a Revolutionary Message of Cleanliness to Every Home: Guardian Minister Jaykumar Gore

148 Tons of Waste Collected Across 42 Locations During Pandharpur Mega Cleanliness Campaign 2025

Pandharpur/Solapur – As part of the Pandharpur City Mega Cleanliness Campaign 2025, a massive cleanliness drive was conducted simultaneously at 42 different locations between 7 AM and 10 AM, resulting in the collection of 148 tons of garbage. The campaign witnessed active participation from government officials and staff, volunteers from social organizations, and citizens of Pandharpur, who together helped cleanse the sacred city of Lord Vitthal.

Guardian Minister Jaykumar Gore, while addressing the concluding ceremony of the campaign, praised the initiative, stating, “This campaign has successfully delivered a revolutionary message of cleanliness to every household and pilgrim in Pandharpur.”

Present on the occasion were MLAs Samadhan Awatade, Sachin Kalyanshetti, and Devendra Kothe, Solapur District Collector Kumar Aashirwad, Chief Executive Officer Kuldeep Jangam, Solapur Municipal Commissioner Sachin Ombase, former MLA Prashant Paricharak, Pandharpur Sub-Divisional Officer Sachin Ithape, Executive Officer Rajendra Shelke, Municipal Administration Officer Veena Pawar, and Pandharpur Municipal Chief Officer Mahesh Rokde, along with several dignitaries and department heads.

Minister Gore emphasized that this campaign was a collective labor of love to purify the holy city of Lord Vitthal. He assured that cleanliness would continue even after the upcoming Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari pilgrimage. Over 7,000 to 8,000 volunteers, including youth from Solapur and Satara districts, took part in the campaign, and Minister Gore expressed hope that they would continue spreading awareness and practicing cleanliness in the future.

He appealed to citizens, traders, and shopkeepers in Pandharpur to place small dustbins outside their establishments and ensure waste is deposited properly for municipal collection. He also requested pilgrims visiting the city not to litter and instead use the designated dustbins provided by the municipality.

Calling for collective action, he urged everyone to join hands for the campaign’s broader goals of a Clean Pandharpur, Clean Chandrabhaga, and Namami Chandrabhaga.

He added that Pandharpur is a sacred and vital religious destination for the state and that the government is committed to its holistic development. The Pandharpur Corridor Project will also be completed with consensus from all stakeholders. The Guardian Minister assured that all arrangements for Ashadhi Wari and the arrival of honored palkhis (holy processions) will be conducted with utmost care and dignity.

He also extended his appreciation to the District Collector, CEO, Municipal Commissioner, department heads, social organizations, citizens, and volunteers for their invaluable contribution to the success of the campaign.

MLA Sachin Awatade praised the Guardian Minister’s visionary initiative and suggested that a similar campaign be carried out even after the Wari pilgrimage concludes.

Sub-Divisional Officer Sachin Ithape, in his opening remarks, highlighted the importance of the campaign and pledged the administration’s commitment to providing pilgrims with the best facilities while maintaining cleanliness and beauty in the city. Chief Officer Mahesh Rokde also thanked all participants.

Sanitation Workers Honored by Guardian Minister

During the event, Guardian Minister Jaykumar Gore honored several sanitation workers for their dedicated efforts. Among those felicitated were Laxman Govind Sonawane, Ravikiran Dodiya, Mrs. Shanta Vitthal Waghmare, Ajay Shankar Tavare, and Omkar Janardan Waghmare, along with the Kolgaon Gram Panchayat from Shrigonda Taluka, Ahilyanagar District. Social groups such as Lions Club Pandharpur, Vrukshpremi Group, Evergreen Club, CREDAI, and Lokmanya Vidyalaya Pandharpur were also recognized.

Official Launch of the Cleanliness Campaign

The campaign was officially launched at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk by Minister Jaykumar Gore. The minister, along with the district administration and dignitaries, participated in the symbolic cleanliness drive at the square, marking the beginning of this monumental initiative.