Delhi's festive-season cleanup: CM Rekha Gupta pushes for cleaner markets, roads and residential areas

Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has instructed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to launch night-time cleaning operations in key markets and residential neighborhoods, addressing complaints about garbage buildup and delays in waste collection during the festive season. The directive aims to maintain clean streets and public spaces as markets and public areas typically attract more foot traffic during festivities.

Gupta warned that sanitation neglect would not be accepted and emphasized that improvements must be visible on the ground. She directed officials from the Urban Development Ministry, the Mayor's office, the Chief Secretary's office, and MCD officials to act on the issue swiftly. The campaign specifically targets major markets and shopping districts, where garbage heaps and garbage collection delays have been observed.

To ensure cleaner conditions during daytime hours, the government plans to conduct cleaning activities at night in high-traffic areas. This strategy is expected to maintain better cleanliness throughout the day. Gupta also instructed the mayor and municipal commissioner to quickly accelerate their efforts, deploying necessary manpower and utilizing new technology to bolster sanitation.

Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood backed the initiative, promising action against any officials found negligent in the cleanliness campaign.

While the exact start date, implementation schedule, and specific locations targeted by the campaign haven't been disclosed, the Chief Minister stressed that tangible cleanliness improvements will be visible before the festive rush.