The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) held an online bhumipujan ceremony for Phase 3 of the Malani-Saran Yojana under the Amrit 2.0 Mission, sponsored by the Central Government, on October 2, 2024. The ceremony was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.

The event began with MLA Kumar Ailani lighting the ceremonial lamp. In honour of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, participants offered wreaths to these great leaders following the national anthem.

Phase 3 of the Malani-Saran Yojana addresses urgent infrastructural needs in Ulhasnagar city, where existing sewers are 30 to 40 years old. The devastating floods of 2005 caused significant damage to these systems, leading to pollution in local water sources, including the Ulhas and Valdhuni rivers. The new project aims to lay 228 km of underground sewers, establish a sewage treatment plant, and renovate roads to ensure a cleaner environment.

The project, costing Rs. 416.66 crore, includes the construction of 1,210 manholes across the city and aims to improve the overall sewage system, benefiting the residents of Ulhasnagar. The bhumipujan ceremony marks the second such initiative in the city, which is a point of pride for local residents.

During the ceremony, cleanliness workers, mukadams, and sanitation inspectors were recognized with certificates for their contributions to community hygiene efforts. Students from RK T. College presented an awareness street play titled "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," while various schools and colleges, including Vedanta College and S. S. T. College, were also honoured for their participation in the Swachhta Hi Seva campaign.

The program concluded with a speech by the Municipal Administrator and Commissioner, Vikas Dhakane, who urged citizens to prioritize cleanliness, environmental awareness, and tree plantation initiatives.

Dignitaries present at the ceremony included additional commissioner Jamir Lengrekar, senior former corporator Jamnu Purswani, and various municipal officials. The event was coordinated by Public Relations Officer Mrs. Chaya Dangle.