Editor Mr.Mayank Rawat ( Chief Editor Mr. Rohit Mishra )
New Delhi: Beginning Friday, Delhi govt will run an intensive cleanliness drive for 20 days, promising to turn the national capital into a “clean, green and aesthetically pleasing” city.
Announcing the drive on Thursday, chief minister Rekha Gupta said the campaign would also include large-scale waste segregation, removal of encroachments from all public spaces and a strict ban on single-use plastic.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by lieutenant governor VK Saxena at Raj Niwas, attended by all ministers, district magistrates, deputy commissioners of Municipal Corporation of Delhi, deputy commissioners of police and senior officials of various govt departments.
“We want Delhi to be not only the national capital, but also a benchmark for cleanliness and beauty. This campaign is not just about cleaning the city, but about eliminating years of accumulated filth and systemic apathy,” CM said. “Our mission is to fulfil PM Modi’s vision of Swachh Bharat with consistent efforts, zero tolerance and public participation.”
Asserting that it was the first time a “triple-engine” govt was working in the city, Gupta said the officials of MCD, Delhi Police, revenue and other departments were instructed to work in coordination. CM added that DCs, DMs and DCPs were assigned specific responsibilities to ensure that every footpath, road, park and public space was cleared of debris, dust, waste and encroachment.
“Any lapses in cleanliness, safety and removal of encroachment will lead to direct accountability of the officer concerned. Streetlights and CCTV cameras will be activated in all areas, and the full administrative machinery will work in tandem to give Delhiites a cleaner and safer city within 20 days,” Gupta announced.
She said each DC would conduct regular inspections of their areas and submit daily reports to the MCD commissioner and CM’s office for transparency and accountability. Each DC will designate one area in their jurisdiction to be developed as a “model area”, showcasing exemplary cleanliness, greenery, encroachment-free paths and strong civic engagement.
Gupta warned that illegal dumping, encroachments and garbage at parks, markets and streets would now be subject to a zero-tolerance policy and strict action would be taken against the official concerned. “No department can now deflect responsibility as joint accountability has been formally established.”
While waste will be collected daily, road medians and central verges will be made green to enhance beauty and reduce pollution. Footpaths will be cleared of encroachments to ensure clean and safe passage for pedestrians. CM said MCD and PWD were directed to ensure timely cleaning of all drains and sewers to prevent waterlogging.
Overgrown trees and branches will be pruned while posters, banners and wall graffiti will be removed. “Individuals or organisations responsible for defacement of public areas will face legal action and heavy fines. Public toilets, drains and sewers have been prioritised for cleaning,” she said. “Strict guidelines have also been issued to eliminate the use of single-use plastic in all markets, religious places, institutions, wedding venues and schools.”
A system for segregated waste collection will be implemented to eliminate dumping grounds permanently. RWAs will be engaged to support waste segregation and collection from households.
Mayank Rawat
