Diwali Glow: Delhi CM Orders Night-Time Cleaning Blitz
CM Rekha Gupta directs night-time cleaning in Delhi colonies and markets ahead of Diwali, warning officials against negligence.
With Diwali and other major festivals fast approaching, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has launched a massive cleanliness offensive to ensure the national capital sparkles for the celebrations. In a decisive move to tackle the city's waste management issues, the Chief Minister has directed officials to implement night-time cleaning across residential colonies and major markets to avoid disrupting daytime public movement.
No Room for Negligence
During a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat on Wednesday, CM Rekha Gupta made it clear that "paperwork and meetings" would no longer suffice. Expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, she noted that despite ongoing efforts, the results are not visible on the ground. The Chief Minister highlighted a surge in complaints regarding heaps of garbage and significant delays in waste collection across various zones.
Warning that negligence in maintaining the city's hygiene will not be tolerated, Gupta instructed the concerned departments to immediately eliminate garbage dumps and streamline the collection process.
The Strategy: Night Shifts and Manpower
To ensure the city remains clean during the day when footfall is highest, the Chief Minister has mandated a shift toward nocturnal operations. Key directives include:
- Additional Personnel: The Mayor and Municipal Commissioner have been told to deploy extra staff and hire new workers specifically for night-time cleaning.
- Synchronized Waste Removal: Gupta emphasized that sweeping and waste collection must be coordinated. She noted that if garbage is not collected immediately after sweeping, it simply re-accumulates, rendering the effort useless.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The drive will target roads, intersections, flyovers, markets, and residential areas to remove filth and construction debris.
- Dust Control: Special measures are to be taken to address road dust to provide a healthier environment for residents.
Accountability and Technology
The Chief Minister has demanded a "boots on the ground" approach. Senior officers have been ordered to personally inspect their assigned areas rather than relying on reports. The goal is to verify implementation in real-time and take immediate corrective actions where shortcomings exist.
Furthermore, the administration is looking toward modernization. CM Gupta and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood both stressed the integration of new technology to monitor cleanliness activities more effectively and ensure that the city remains free from garbage heaps.
A Festive Vision
Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood echoed the Chief Minister's urgency, reminding officials that festivals are symbols of happiness and harmony. He stated that every family deserves a clean and beautiful neighborhood and market during these occasions.
The meeting saw the participation of several key figures, including Delhi Mayor Parvesh Wahi, Delhi Chief Secretary Rajiv Verma, Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar, and representatives from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Minister Sood concluded with a stern warning: any official found negligent in this cleanliness campaign will face strict action.