Delhi’s government has launched a 20-day cleanliness drive to transform the capital into a cleaner, greener city. Led by CM Rekha Gupta, the campaign focuses on waste segregation, encroachment removal, and a single-use plastic ban. With daily monitoring, greening initiatives, and strict accountability, the drive aims to enhance public spaces and align with PM Modi’s Swachh Bharat vision.
Delhi Launches Ambitious 20-Day Cleanliness Campaign
On May 2, 2025, the Delhi government, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, initiated a 20-day intensive cleanliness drive aimed at transforming the national capital into a clean, green, and aesthetically pleasing city. The campaign, announced after a high-level meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena at Raj Niwas, involves collaboration with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and various government departments. The initiative emphasizes large-scale waste segregation, removal of encroachments from public spaces, and a strict ban on single-use plastics in markets, schools, and religious places.
The drive, which began on Friday, includes twice-daily cleaning operations at 8 am and in the evening to ensure consistent upkeep of public areas. Dust-prone zones will be greened through extensive plantation efforts, and garbage trucks will operate on fixed schedules with covered loads to prevent littering. Public toilets, drains, and sewers have been prioritized for sanitation improvements. Each deputy commissioner will designate one locality as a “model area” to showcase ideal sanitation, greenery, and civic upkeep, setting a benchmark for the rest of the city.
Chief Minister Gupta highlighted the unified effort under the “triple-engine” government model, combining the BJP-led central government, Delhi government, and municipal bodies to break years of stagnation in sanitation efforts. “This campaign is a historic moment for Delhi. We are committed to realizing PM Narendra Modi’s vision of a Swachh Bharat by ensuring no garbage, debris, or encroachments remain in public spaces,” Gupta said at a press conference. She emphasized strict accountability, with civic officials required to conduct daily inspections and submit reports to the CM’s office. Violations, such as illegal dumping or wall defacement, will face hefty fines and legal action.
The MCD has also introduced measures to improve waste management, designating 106 locations for the disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Residents can access the list of these sites on the MCD’s official website, ensuring structured waste disposal and reducing illegal dumping. Additionally, the campaign includes public participation efforts, with market areas and waste hotspots targeted for intensive cleaning and greening initiatives.
The drive aligns with the broader Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched by PM Modi in 2014 to promote cleanliness and eliminate open defecation across India. Delhi’s latest effort builds on this national movement, addressing local challenges like waste accumulation and environmental degradation. The campaign’s focus on greenery, including plantations in dust-prone areas, also complements the city’s Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025, which targets dust and other pollution sources.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) has launched a parallel 21-day cleanup drive to tackle monsoon-related challenges, such as clogged drains and waterlogging, further supporting the city’s sanitation goals. With these combined efforts, Delhi aims to set a new standard for urban cleanliness and sustainability.
Disclaimer: This report is based on information from government announcements, press conferences, and reliable news sources, including The Times of India, Business Standard, and India Today. Data and statements are accurate as of July 3, 2025, and may be subject to updates as the campaign progresses.