With the aim of strengthening this frontline workforce, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) organised a capacity-building and skill development workshop for women sanitation workers at its headquarters.
The workshop was conducted under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0 and formed part of the International Women’s Day week activities organised under Swachh Survekshan 2025–26.
More than 250 women sanitation workers, along with civic officials and technical staff, participated in the programme held at the Knowledge Centre of the NMMC headquarters.
Part of national efforts for garbage-free cities
The workshop forms part of a broader national initiative aimed at creating garbage-free cities across India.
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission framework, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has appointed 23 Swachhata Knowledge Partner organisations across the country to train municipal staff and strengthen sanitation systems at the local level.
Through such workshops, sanitation workers and civic teams receive practical training in modern waste management practices, operational efficiency, and sustainable urban cleanliness systems.
Expert guidance on waste management practices
The Navi Mumbai workshop was conducted by the Himalayan Institute for Environment, Ecology and Development, one of the designated Swachhata Knowledge Partner organisations, in collaboration with Ornate Technologies.
Participants received guidance from experienced professionals in the field of solid waste management, including:
Anand Jagtap, retired Special Officer from the Solid Waste Management Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
Tikshala Gaikwad, trainer associated with solid waste management projects
Through presentations and interactive discussions, the experts shared insights on improving sanitation operations and strengthening waste management systems within urban municipal frameworks.
Civic officials highlight importance of continuous training
The workshop was organised under the guidance of NMMC Commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde and Additional Commissioner Sunil Pawar.
During the programme, Deputy Commissioner Dr Ajay Gadade and Chief Sanitation Officer Naresh Andher also addressed participants and emphasised the importance of continuous training and skill development for sanitation staff in maintaining the city’s cleanliness standards.
Officials noted that such initiatives help strengthen municipal systems and support the broader objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Recognising the work behind a cleaner city
For residents across Navi Mumbai’s neighbourhoods and nodes, sanitation workers remain an essential part of the city’s daily functioning.
Workshops such as these aim to ensure that the people responsible for keeping the city clean are also equipped with the knowledge, training and institutional support required to sustain Navi Mumbai’s cleanliness standards in the years ahead.
