Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday participated in a shramdaan drive at the Yamuna ghat in Chilla village under the 'Clean Delhi with CM' campaign. She announced that the Delhi Government will organise weekly cleanliness drives, Yamuna clean-up activities, and tree plantation programmes every Sunday to transform the river's rejuvenation into a people's movement.
CM Calls Yamuna Delhi's Cultural Lifeline
Joining volunteers, youth groups, social organisations, and local residents in cleaning the ghat, Gupta emphasised that the Yamuna is "not merely a river but Delhi's memory, culture and lifeline." She stressed that restoring the river to a clean and pollution-free state is a shared responsibility of both the government and the public.
Scientific Strategy for Yamuna Rejuvenation
The Chief Minister outlined the government's scientific and sustainable strategy for Yamuna rejuvenation, which includes modernisation of sewage treatment plants (STPs), establishment of decentralised STPs, expansion of the sewer network, and phased tapping of all drains that flow into the river. She expressed confidence that untreated wastewater would eventually stop entering the Yamuna.
Appeal for Public Participation
Calling for greater public involvement, Gupta urged residents not to immerse puja materials, plastic, construction debris, or other waste into the river. She announced that the government would set up dedicated collection centres across the city for the respectful disposal of puja materials and damaged idols, which would then be scientifically recycled.
Weekly Campaigns to Sustain Momentum
To maintain the campaign's momentum, the CM said the Delhi Government would hold public campaigns every Sunday, including cleanliness drives, Yamuna conservation programmes, and tree plantation activities. She appealed to residents to actively participate in the campaign.
Circular Economy Initiatives Appreciated
During the drive, Gupta interacted with volunteers and environmental activists who demonstrated how plastic waste collected from the river could be recycled into benches, dustbins, and other useful products. Appreciating the circular economy initiative, she assured government support for such innovative waste management models.
Youth Enthusiasm Hailed
Gupta also praised a young environmental volunteer who said he was inspired by the Swachh Bharat Mission to work for Yamuna conservation and spread public awareness. She said the enthusiasm of young people is the greatest strength of the Clean India and Clean Yamuna campaigns and assured them of the government's continued support.
Thanking the volunteers and organisations participating in the campaign, the Chief Minister said public participation would drive the government's efforts to build a clean, green, and developed Delhi while restoring the Yamuna to its pristine condition.
