Following the large-scale Maratha reservation protest at Mumbai’s historic Azad Maidan, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) launched an extensive clean-up operation, removing an astounding 101 metric tonnes of waste—equivalent to 101,000 kg—between 29 August and 2 September. The site, a prominent landmark in central Mumbai, was occupied for five days by protestors demanding reservation for the Maratha community.

Once the crowds dispersed, they left behind massive heaps of rubbish, including food wrappers, plastic bottles, torn footwear, and discarded posters. To address the situation, the BMC mobilised 54 compactor dumpers, each capable of carrying 1,850 kg of solid waste, supported by a workforce of 466 sanitation personnel working in shifts.

The clean-up effort commenced on 29 August with 4,000 kg collected, rising to 7,000 kg the following day, and peaking at 30,000 kg per day from 31 August through to the morning of 2 September. The waste was initially taken to refuse transfer stations in Mahalaxmi before being transported to processing plants in Deonar and Kanjurmarg.

To ensure thorough sanitation, 26 water tankers with 1,000-litre capacity each were used to spray 26,000 litres of water across roads and open spaces. The BMC also deployed 1,050 kg of bleaching powder and 100 kg of Izol disinfectant to sanitise affected areas.

However, the density of the crowd posed operational challenges, with several areas too congested or inaccessible for continuous clean-up work. Significant progress was made after the Bombay High Court ordered protestors to vacate public spaces, allowing the BMC to initiate an overnight sanitation blitz.

To aid the night-time operation, the Mumbai Fire Brigade installed 40 high-intensity floodlights. An additional 1,000 sanitation workers were mobilised citywide, and 500 kg of plastic bags were distributed for waste collection and segregation. Mini dumpers worked in rotation to transfer refuse into larger compactors.

Furthermore, four advanced jetting and suction machines were deployed to remove grime and stubborn debris from roads and pavements. During the protest itself, the BMC had proactively arranged for hygiene infrastructure, installing 140 toilet seats—comprising 81 mobile units and 59 permanent ones—around Azad Maidan.

Mobile toilets were strategically placed to reduce open defecation, including:

These efforts underscored the civic body’s preparedness and responsiveness in maintaining hygiene and order in one of Mumbai’s most active public zones.