Nashik civic body launches plastic waste collection drive in 200 schools

Nashik: The civic body on Tuesday launched a plastic waste collection drive across 200 schools in Nashik, covering municipal, private and aided schools, as part of efforts to make the city plastic-free ahead of the Kumbh Mela.The initiative, under the broader Green Kumbh mission, aims to reduce plastic waste at the community level by involving school students, teachers and parents.The drive followed the completion of a pilot project in 30 municipal schools, where students collected plastic waste from their homes and surroundings. After receiving what Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) described as an overwhelming response, the civic body's education department expanded the campaign with support from the Namami Goda Foundation and other environmental organisations. After implementation in these 200 schools, the municipal corporation plans to extend the initiative to every school in Nashik.The civic body formally launched the campaign during a workshop attended by over 300 teachers representing various schools.Addressing the gathering, mayor Himgauri Aher said the objective is not limited to the upcoming Kumbh Mela, but is part of a long-term mission to keep Nashik clean and green. She urged citizens to adopt a plastic-free lifestyle and support the initiative wholeheartedly.Deputy mayor Vilas Shinde said every individual has the responsibility to maintain cleanliness and reduce plastic waste. He said the involvement of school students and educational institutions adds a new dimension to the city's green efforts and sets a positive example for all Nashik residents.Additional commissioner Karishma Nair said she was confident the initiative would receive 100% response from students and teachers. She said their enthusiastic participation would play a vital role in ensuring an environmentally responsible Green Kumbh and inspire the wider community to adopt sustainable practices.NMC education officer Meeta Chaudhari said it was important to inculcate environmental awareness from an early age. She said shaping responsible future citizens began in classrooms, and teachers had a major role in nurturing this mindset. Chaudhari said strategic planning for the next phase covering 200 schools is complete, and the initiative would eventually be implemented in all schools across the city to maximise its impact.Rajesh Pandit of the Namami Goda Foundation said students participating in the drive would collect recyclable plastic waste from their homes over the next month, and the collected material would be processed and recycled through approved channels. He said such school-driven initiatives help develop environmental consciousness among children while directly contributing to waste reduction.The NMC aims to position Nashik as a model eco-friendly host city for the forthcoming Kumbh Mela while promoting a long-term culture of responsible waste management among younger generations.