Delhi Launches Major Cleanliness Campaign Ahead of Independence Month
In a significant push towards making the national capital one of the cleanest cities in the country, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday unveiled the “Delhi Freedom From Garbage” campaign. The month-long cleanliness drive, scheduled from August 1 to 31, promises substantial financial incentives for the cleanest wards, assembly constituencies, and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs).
At a high-level preparatory meeting, CM Gupta outlined the key objectives of the campaign, stressing on citizen involvement and inter-agency cooperation. “We are writing a golden chapter in Delhi’s history,” she stated. “For the first time, all major departments including the MCD, Delhi government, PWD, and Delhi Police are working in full coordination.”
Massive Rewards to Encourage Cleanliness Efforts
The campaign’s most eye-catching feature is the set of cash prizes for top performers. The cleanest assembly constituency will be awarded ₹1 crore, while the ward judged to be the cleanest will receive ₹50 lakh. Resident Welfare Associations are also in the fray, with the top three RWAs set to receive ₹25 lakh, ₹15 lakh, and ₹10 lakh respectively.
Gupta explained that participants will need to upload before-and-after photos of their cleanliness efforts on a dedicated online portal. These visual records will form the basis for evaluating entries and distributing the prize money.
Additionally, the Delhi government has sanctioned ₹5 crore to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to support logistics and operations during the campaign.
Focus Areas and Key Dates
The drive will kick off with two intensive days dedicated to clearing garbage backlogs in government schools, hospitals, and offices. Every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month will see focused efforts in unauthorised colonies and Jhuggi-Jhopdi (JJ) clusters — areas that often lack consistent sanitation services.
Special cleanup operations are also scheduled at prominent public locations. The Yamuna ghats will be cleaned on August 14, 21, and 28, while major sanitation work is planned along the Ring Road on August 29 and 31.
Public Participation at the Heart of the Campaign
The campaign runs under the slogan “Meri Delhi, Meri Zimmedari” — meaning “My Delhi, My Responsibility” — and places a strong emphasis on public engagement. CM Gupta called on all residents to take personal ownership of their surroundings and contribute to a cleaner, greener capital.
“This is not just a government initiative. It’s a people’s movement,” she said. “We are inviting RWAs, NGOs, private organisations, and individuals to step up and be part of this transformation.”
Criticism of Previous Government and Vision Forward
In her address, CM Gupta took a sharp jab at the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration, blaming it for creating a “negative image” of Delhi through years of neglect.
“In contrast, under the leadership of the prime minister, we now have a united and positive approach,” she asserted. “We are committed to resolving long-standing urban issues, starting with the basic but critical issue of waste management.”
Gupta’s remarks reflect a broader strategy of aligning local development initiatives with national objectives, especially with the 2025 civic elections approaching.
Looking Ahead
As Delhi gears up for the Independence Day celebrations, the “Freedom From Garbage” campaign serves both symbolic and practical purposes. With substantial rewards and clear timelines, the initiative aims to galvanize government agencies and the public alike into taking concrete action against one of the city’s most persistent civic problems.
Whether this campaign marks a turning point in Delhi’s sanitation story remains to be seen, but with money, motivation, and mass participation, the groundwork is being laid for meaningful change
