21-Day Drive Clears 950 MT Waste from Sabarmati with 90,000 Citizens Joining In

In a remarkable show of civic unity and environmental commitment, Ahmedabad has successfully removed over 950 metric tonnes of waste from the Sabarmati River in just 21 days. The cleanup drive, held between May 15 and June 5, became the city’s largest river-cleaning effort to date, driven by the participation of more than 90,000 citizens during a crucial maintenance period.

The initiative was jointly led by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL). With water flow temporarily halted for maintenance of the Vasna Barrage Dam gates, authorities seized the opportunity to launch an intensive cleanup campaign along the riverbed.

Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani highlighted that the cleaning operation was timed with the stoppage of river water to allow safe and effective waste removal. What followed was a citywide movement that saw participation from over 150 NGOs, more than 25 educational institutions, corporate groups, real estate firms like CREDAI Ahmedabad, and enthusiastic volunteers from all walks of life.

A Riverbed of Waste

The scale of debris uncovered during the operation was staggering:

• 166 metric tonnes of plastic waste
• 86 metric tonnes of discarded cloth
• 90 metric tonnes of wood
• 608 metric tonnes of other waste materials

These numbers paint a clear picture of the environmental pressure facing urban rivers like the Sabarmati. The campaign not only removed visible waste but also brought attention to the scale of pollution that accumulates out of public sight.

Uniformed Forces Lend a Hand

The final day of the campaign, June 5—coinciding with World Environment Day—saw massive institutional participation. Over 5,000 Home Guards, 700 Civil Defence personnel, and 1,000 police officers joined the cleanup, adding strong logistical and symbolic support to the civic-led initiative.

Water Flow to Resume

With the successful completion of both the barrage maintenance and riverbed cleaning, authorities confirmed that water will be released back into the Sabarmati River from June 6. The restoration of flow marks the completion of a campaign that not only cleared physical waste but also rejuvenated public spirit.

More Than a Cleanup

This drive goes beyond numbers. It represents a model for how temporary infrastructure downtime can be transformed into an opportunity for meaningful environmental action. By mobilising thousands of citizens and institutions, Ahmedabad has shown how collaboration and timing can breathe new life into urban ecosystems.

The Sabarmati cleanup stands as a testament to the power of community, coordination, and care for shared natural resources.

AM.