ASEZ WAO Cleans Up Pune’s Fatima Nagar 2,800 kg of Waste Removed
Pune’s Fatima Nagar witnessed a remarkable transformation early this year, as an international volunteer group, ASEZ WAO, took the initiative to address the city’s growing waste problem. The Green Earth Fatima Nagar Street Cleanup, conducted on a chilly morning, exemplified the power of community action, with 85 ASEZ WAO members, alongside their families and neighbours, working together to clean up a one-kilometre stretch of the densely populated Azad Nagar area. The group’s impressive efforts saw the collection of a staggering 2,800 kg of garbage in just two hours.
ASEZ WAO, which stands for the Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group of the World Mission Society Church of God, operates under the guiding philosophy, “Save the Earth from A to Z, We Are One Family.” With a global presence, the group has made it a priority to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship through grassroots action. The Fatima Nagar cleanup is just one example of how ASEZ WAO has been working towards its mission since its inception in 2017. The area, home to several educational institutions and medical facilities, has long struggled with waste management challenges, and the cleanup initiative was a direct response to the local environmental crisis.
The local community has lauded the initiative, with residents expressing deep gratitude for the volunteers’ unwavering commitment to keeping their neighbourhood clean. Karan Latawde, Deputy Superintendent of the Wanwadi Ramtekdi Ward Office, commended the volunteers for their efforts, noting that while regular waste collection by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is in place, public littering continues to be a significant issue. “It is truly inspiring to see young adults dedicate their holiday to this cause with such enthusiasm,” Latawde said, highlighting the essential role that volunteers play in creating a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.
While ASEZ WAO’s cleanup drive was a tremendous success in Fatima Nagar, the group’s efforts go beyond just waste management. Over the years, ASEZ WAO has extended its reach across India, organising environmental campaigns in cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi. Its work in Maharashtra’s Palghar region and its support for medical personnel during the Covid-19 pandemic further emphasise its commitment to humanitarian causes. These efforts align with the group’s broader mission of promoting sustainable development through education, welfare, and emergency relief.
ASEZ WAO’s focus on sustainability resonates with the growing need for urban areas to incorporate environmentally-friendly practices in their development. As cities like Pune continue to expand, proper waste management, pollution control, and environmental preservation will become more critical. The group’s dedication to these issues is evident not only through their local cleanup initiatives but also through their sustained advocacy for cleaner, greener cities. Given the growing global concern over climate change and pollution, initiatives like ASEZ WAO’s cleanup campaigns serve as a reminder that collective action, no matter how small, can lead to significant environmental change. For ASEZ WAO, these campaigns are not just about cleaning up the streets but about fostering a greater sense of responsibility for the environment in communities worldwide.
