The cleanliness initiative, spearheaded by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, focused on 28 ghats along the Yamuna river on Sunday. The campaign began at 6 am in the Geeta Colony area, highlighting the need for community involvement in maintaining a clean and beautiful Yamuna. CM Gupta emphasized the importance of public engagement, stating that everybody’s contribution is vital for the river’s upkeep.

Gupta pointed out the concerning issue of discarded items, including broken idols and cloth, in the river. She called on the public to be more mindful and avoid polluting the water with such refuse. The Chief Minister’s appeal was aimed at fostering a sense of responsibility among citizens regarding environmental preservation.

The initiative saw substantial participation, with thousands of citizens joining the efforts. Volunteers from over 500 social and religious organisations collaborated with the government to facilitate a collective movement towards cleanliness. This engagement reflects a community-oriented approach to environmental issues.

Government Plans and Financial Commitments

CM Gupta indicated that the cleanliness campaign would not be a one-off event and committed to regular initiatives focused on the Yamuna river. She vowed to establish a cycle of ongoing drives to maintain the river’s integrity. Additionally, she called on citizens to take part in future efforts, reinforcing the notion that maintaining cleanliness is a shared task.

Significant funding has been earmarked for this environmental endeavour, with projects valued at over Rs 1,000 crore already approved for the Yamuna’s cleaning. Under the AMRUT scheme, 12 new decentralised sewage treatment plants are being constructed in the Najafgarh area, with an investment of Rs 860 crore. This infrastructure aims to mitigate the flow of untreated sewage into the river, crucial for its rehabilitation.

The Chief Minister’s long-term vision involves a comprehensive plan that integrates both immediate and sustained efforts to clean the Yamuna. The focus on infrastructure development, combined with community drives, illustrates a multifaceted approach to tackling river pollution.

Participation from Political Leaders and Community

The cleanliness drive attracted notable political figures, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Delhi unit president Harsh Malhotra, who participated at the Yamuna Bank stretch. Several other leaders and party workers joined, demonstrating political backing for the initiative. Their presence at the event underscores the alignment between government objectives and community participation.

In addition to CM Gupta, various Delhi ministers, including Parvesh Sahib Singh, Pankaj Singh, and Ravinder Indraj, were actively involved at different ghats. Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, along with BJP MPs Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Manoj Tiwari, and Swati Maliwal, also contributed to the cleanliness campaign, enhancing its visibility and reach across the city.

The collaboration between government officials and community members exemplifies a united front towards environmental stewardship, making the drive a significant highlight in Delhi’s ongoing efforts to restore the Yamuna. As these actions unfold, the collective responsibility to maintain the river’s health is more apparent, affirming the need for continued vigilance and involvement.

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