As Diwali approaches, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has made a heartfelt appeal to citizens for a clean, environmentally friendly, and plastic-free celebration of the festival. Municipal Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde has encouraged residents to embrace practices that promote cleanliness and reduce pollution during this significant time.

Recognizing Diwali as India's biggest festival, Dr. Shinde emphasized the importance of celebrating in a manner that is considerate of the environment. Citizens are urged to engage in a thorough cleaning of their homes and to dispose of unwanted items responsibly. The NMMC has set up '3 R' centres at 92 locations across the city, where residents can donate discarded goods to help those in need, ensuring that the spirit of giving is preserved during the festive season.

To assist the city's cleanliness efforts, residents are reminded to sort their waste properly and dispose of it in designated garbage bins. This not only helps reduce the workload on sanitation workers but also minimizes the chances of increasing air pollution caused by the open burning of waste.

In preparation for the festival, the NMMC has launched a special deep cleaning campaign aimed at enhancing the city’s cleanliness. This initiative involves the thorough cleaning of main roads, particularly focusing on areas where silt and debris have accumulated. Mechanical sweeping vehicles and water spraying machines, utilizing treated water from sewage treatment plants, are being deployed to effectively clean the roads while conserving drinking water resources.

Notable areas, including the Nerul section from Rajiv Gandhi Flyover to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk and the major routes in Belapur, have already undergone extensive cleaning. Residents using these routes have praised the efforts, noting a significant reduction in dust and pollution levels.

With concerns over air and noise pollution heightened during Diwali, the NMMC has urged citizens to refrain from using firecrackers. Studies show that the Air Quality Index (AQI) typically rises significantly during the festival, posing health risks due to the harmful chemicals released from firecrackers. The NMMC has reiterated that the production, sale, and use of firecrackers exceeding 125 decibels, as well as those containing hazardous materials, are illegal. Residents are reminded that firecrackers can only be lit between 7 PM and 10 PM, as per the Bombay High Court’s order.

In addition to advocating for a firecracker-free Diwali, the NMMC encourages citizens to use eco-friendly materials for decorations, such as paper and cloth, and to opt for reusable cloth bags instead of plastic.

Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde encapsulated the initiative with the slogan “Cleanliness is Lakshmi,” highlighting the cultural significance of cleanliness during the festive season.