Surat recycles 1,800 tonnes of diwali firecracker waste

Surat, Gujarat’s diamond city, showcased exemplary waste management this Diwali by recycling nearly 1,800 tonnes of firecracker waste generated during the festivities. Despite the surge in daily waste to around 3,000 tonnes, the Surat Municipal Corporation swiftly cleaned and recycled the debris, turning it into useful products.

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Gujarat’s diamond city, Surat, has once again demonstrated its efficiency in waste management by recycling the massive waste generated after Diwali celebrations and turning it into useful products. Officials said that during the three days of Diwali festivities, the city produced nearly 600 tonnes of waste daily—amounting to around 1,800 tonnes of firecracker waste alone. Despite the high volume, sanitation workers promptly cleaned the streets and neighbourhoods, upholding Surat’s reputation as one of India’s cleanest cities.

“Surat Municipal Corporation is the cleanest city in the country, and this Diwali was a perfect example of that. Sanitation workers cleaned the entire city as quickly as people burst firecrackers,” an official stated.

According to officials, the city’s daily waste generation, which usually stands at around 3,000 tonnes, rose sharply during the festival. Yet, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) managed to not only clear the additional waste swiftly but also recycle it effectively. The collected firecracker debris and household waste were processed and repurposed into different useful materials, showcasing the city’s commitment to sustainable waste management.

Dr. Kalpesh, Deputy Health Officer, SMC, said that firecracker wastes was recycled to make different things that are to be used again. He noted that the initiative reflects Surat’s focus on circular waste management, where discarded materials are converted into valuable resources instead of being dumped in landfills.

Dr. Kalpesh also praised the city’s sanitation workforce for their relentless dedication. “Surat is the cleanest city in the country because our sanitation workers remain committed to their duties every day, regardless of festivals or holidays. When the entire city was celebrating Diwali, they were on the ground ensuring that roads and localities stayed spotless,” he said.

The city’s efficient post-Diwali clean-up and recycling drive underline its consistent efforts toward maintaining hygiene and environmental sustainability. By turning festive waste into reusable products, Surat not only minimized its environmental footprint but also reinforced the importance of community participation and municipal efficiency in achieving cleanliness goals. The SMC’s proactive approach and the tireless work of its sanitation staff continue to make Surat a model for other cities aiming to balance celebration with sustainability.