The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) has deployed eight vehicle-mounted road-sweeping machines across the city to accelerate and modernize road cleaning under the Swachh Maharashtra Abhiyan. Guardian minister Prakash Abitkar formally dedicated the machines to public service on Monday, marking a significant step toward improving urban sanitation.
Operational Details and Demonstration
The machines became operational on city roads from Monday. A demonstration run was held on the stretch from Sasane ground to Aditya Corner. “These machines will prove to be instrumental in ensuring the cleanliness of the city. Roads can be cleaned effectively while simultaneously keeping dust dispersion under control. This initiative marks a significant step towards fulfilling the expectations of residents,” Abitkar said.
Scope of Cleaning
KMC officials stated that the machines will be used to clean major roads, including those built under the RRB (Roads and Bridges) and Nagarotthan schemes, as well as key link roads. The deployment aims to improve dust control and overall sanitation efficiency across the city.
Technical Specifications and Investment
Each machine, costing ₹46.5 lakh, is equipped with a 3-cubic metre hopper, a 180-litre water tank, and a 2.5-metre sweeping brush. The machines are capable of cleaning up to 5 kilometres per hour. The total investment for the eight machines stands at ₹3.7 crore.
Launch Event Attendees
The launch event was attended by several dignitaries, including MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar, MP Dhananjay Mahadik, MLA Amal Mahadik, Mayor Rouparani Nikam, Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bharud, and other officials. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort to enhance urban cleanliness in Kolhapur.
This initiative is part of the broader Swachh Maharashtra Abhiyan, which aims to improve sanitation and waste management across the state. The modern road-sweeping machines are expected to significantly reduce manual labour and improve the efficiency of road cleaning operations.
