Delhi CM Rekha Gupta joins Yamuna cleaning drive, urges public participation

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta participated in a Yamuna cleaning campaign at Chilla Village Ghat, calling on citizens to actively contribute to the river's rejuvenation and make cleanliness a collective responsibility.

The drive, organised under the 'Clean Delhi with CM' campaign, witnessed the participation of volunteers, youth groups, social organisations and local residents. According to the Chief Minister's Office, the initiative aimed to encourage greater public involvement in restoring the Yamuna.

Addressing participants, Gupta described the Yamuna as more than just a river.
"Yamuna is not merely a river but Delhi's memory, culture and lifeline. Keeping it clean, pure and free-flowing is not just the responsibility of the government, but the shared responsibility of every citizen," she said.

The Chief Minister said the Delhi government is implementing a scientific and sustainable strategy to rejuvenate the river. Key initiatives include modernising sewage treatment plants (STPs), setting up decentralised treatment facilities, expanding the sewer network and ensuring that drains flowing into the Yamuna are properly tapped and treated.

Gupta expressed confidence that untreated sewage would no longer be discharged directly into the river in the future. She added that the government is working to transform river conservation into a people's movement through sustained public awareness campaigns.

As part of the initiative, dedicated collection centres or porta cabins are being established across the city for the proper disposal of puja materials and damaged idols. The collected materials will be scientifically processed through recycling and waste management systems to minimise pollution.

The Chief Minister also announced that the Delhi government will organise public campaigns every Sunday, including cleanliness drives, Yamuna cleaning programmes and tree plantation activities across the national capital.

Appealing for widespread participation, Gupta said only the combined efforts of the government and citizens can help realise the vision of a clean, pollution-free and free-flowing Yamuna.