Kalyan: Volunteers of Maitri Foundation, Kalyan East, played an important role in crowd management and nirmalya collection during Ganeshotsav by assisting the police as ‘Police Mitra’ under the jurisdiction of Kolsewadi Police Station.

Considering the large crowds during Ganesh immersion processions and at major junctions, volunteers helped the police maintain law and order, regulate crowds and ensure smooth traffic movement. They also contributed to keeping immersion sites clean by collecting nirmalya in an environment-friendly manner.

The initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from college students as part of their social responsibility. NSS volunteers and students from Saket College, Model College (Kalyan East), Vedant College and Kamaladevi College, Vitthalwadi, participated in the campaign.

Along with crowd management, the students helped collect floral offerings and other materials brought by devotees at immersion sites, ensuring proper disposal and cleanliness of the surroundings.

Senior officials of Kolsewadi Police Station appreciated the efforts of Maitri Foundation and the participating students. The police administration said that such community participation helps reduce the pressure on police personnel during festivals and encourages youth involvement in civic responsibilities.

The initiative was carried out with the support of Senior Police Inspector Nitin Pagar of Kolsewadi Police Station, officials from the Solid Waste Management Department of Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation and office-bearers of Maitri Foundation.

Foundation president Pranav Desai, vice-president Rupesh Gaikwad, secretary Atul Upadhyay, volunteers, college programme officers and students contributed to the successful implementation of the initiative.