Post-Uttarayan Clean-Up Intensified Across Gujarat Cities to Restore Safety

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — A day after skies across Gujarat were filled with colourful kites, city streets told a different story—tangled strings, paper scraps and festival debris posing risks to commuters and pedestrians. In response, civic bodies in Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot and Vadodara launched intensive post-Uttarayan clean-up operations on Wednesday, deploying hundreds of sanitation workers to restore normalcy and ensure public safety.

In Ahmedabad, teams from the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) hit the ground early morning, clearing arterial roads, residential lanes, flyovers and busy junctions. Special focus was placed on removing sharp nylon-coated kite strings, which have been linked to several accidents during the festival. “Our priority is commuter safety, especially for two-wheeler riders. Even a loose string can turn fatal,” said a senior AMC official, adding that mechanised sweepers were also used in high-traffic zones.

Similar scenes played out in Surat, where the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) deployed sanitation teams across major bridges, textile market areas and residential societies. “Surat witnesses heavy movement even on holidays. Clearing kite waste quickly is crucial to prevent traffic disruptions and injuries,” an SMC health department officer said. Civic officials noted that areas near flyovers and ring roads required repeated cleaning due to the volume of kite strings.

In Rajkot, municipal workers focused on main chowks, BRTS corridors and school zones. The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) said the clean-up drive would continue for at least two days. “Uttarayan is a celebration, but the aftermath needs responsible handling. We urge citizens to avoid throwing kite waste on roads,” an RMC spokesperson said.

Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) teams were also seen clearing debris from Waghodia Road, Alkapuri and Old City areas. Officials highlighted that leftover strings often get entangled with electric poles and vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents. “Public cooperation is key. If citizens dispose of waste responsibly, the clean-up becomes faster and safer,” a VMC official noted.

Across cities, civic bodies appealed to residents to assist sanitation workers by segregating kite waste and refraining from dumping it in public spaces. Authorities said such coordinated post-festival drives are now a standard protocol after large celebrations, reflecting a growing focus on urban safety and cleanliness.