Pune: On the occasion of World Toilet Day, ‘Urgent Run 2024’ and Sustainability Flea Market organized by EcoSan Services Foundation and World Toilet Organization in collaboration with Pune Municipal Corporation, Indian Water Works Association (IWWA), Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP), and Rotary Club Pune Pashan. Held with enthusiasm in Pune.
The ‘Urgent Run 2024’ mini marathon was flagged off by Mr. Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner, Solid Waste Management Department, Pune Municipal Corporation. Organized in two groups of 5 km and 10 km, people in the age group of 8 to 84 years participated in the marathon and created awareness about sustainable sanitation. About 130 runners participated in the 10 km mini marathon and 500 runners participated in the 5 km walkathon, which included about 160 participants from the Indian Army and the Police Department. Two competitors from the Netherlands, Edwin and Michael, also participated to spread the message of safe sanitation. The men’s 10 km winner completed the marathon in 39 minutes and the women’s winner in 44 minutes.
Mr. Sheetal Shah, Director General, Rotary Pune District East, Mr. Subhash Bhujbal and Mrs. Vaishali Awte of IWWA Pune Centre, Chief Engineer, Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran and Mr. Satya Natarajan of Adar Poonawalla Clean City Initiative and Mr. Dayanand Panse, Director, Ecosan Services Foundation were present as chief guests at the award ceremony. Mr. Sudhir Mali, Vice President, Kirloskar Brothers, Mr. Avinash Surve, Former Executive Director, Vidarbha Irrigation Department and Mr. Amit Bhade, President, Rotary Club of Pune Pashan were also present on the occasion.
Mr. Dayanand Panse said that through this mini marathon, the participants were made aware about sustainable sanitation, the importance of toilet use and sanitation management and through such activities, the need for cleanliness and sustainable goal 6.2 will be achieved. The Sustainability Flea Market, held for the entire day, also attracted the attention of the citizens. Eco-friendly products and innovative activities were presented here, especially the ‘Pune Paani’ initiative and cleanliness games for children.
Pune Municipal Corporation and Pune Police Department as well as Rotary Club Pune Pashan, Kirloskar Brothers, Supreme Industries, Municast Solutions, Adar Poonawalla Clean City Initiative, 3S India, Decathlon Play were instrumental in the successful conduct of the event.