India, April 23 -- Pune municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram on Wednesday announced that the civic body will conduct weekly clean-up drives along the Mula-Mutha river as part of the River Festival initiative. He was speaking at the second edition of the event on Wednesday.

Speaking during the event, mayor Manjusha Nagpure called for a complete ban on plastic in Pune, arguing that partial restrictions have failed to curb rampant plastic use.

"Plastic, especially carry bags, must be completely banned within PMC limits. The administration has the capacity to enforce it, but unless the ban is total and strict, usage will continue unchecked," Nagpure said.

She said the River Festival would only be meaningful if it led to sustained behav...