New Delhi: In a landmark initiative to improve urban sanitation, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched the ‘Freedom from Garbage’ Cleanliness Drive, a month-long mega campaign aimed at turning the capital into a cleaner, greener, and garbage-free city.
Scheduled to run from August 1 to August 31, the campaign brings together all major civic agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Public Works Department (PWD), NDMC, Delhi Police, and enthusiastic citizen groups in a coordinated mission to tackle waste and sanitation issues across the capital.
Launching the campaign at Kedarnath Sahni Auditorium, Dr. S.P.M Civic Centre, CM Rekha Gupta highlighted the unprecedented inter-agency cooperation, calling it a “historic and united step toward a cleaner Delhi.” She emphasized citizen participation, stating, “Every resident has a role in building a garbage-free Delhi.”
In her address, the Chief Minister announced that the first two days of the campaign would focus on clearing waste backlogs in government schools, hospitals, and offices, while weekend efforts will prioritize unauthorised colonies and JJ clusters. Special clean-up operations are scheduled at Yamuna ghats on August 14, 21, and 28, and across the Ring Road on August 29 and 31.
To support the campaign, ₹5 crore has been allocated to MCD, and to boost community engagement, rewards of ₹25 lakh, ₹15 lakh, and ₹10 lakh will be given to the top three performing Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs).
दिल्ली को कूड़े से आज़ादी अभियान में सबसे स्वच्छ वार्ड को 50 लाख रुपये का फंड दिया जाएगा और सबसे स्वच्छ विधानसभा को 1 करोड़ रुपये का अतिरिक्त फंड दिया जाएगा।#SwachhBharatMission pic.twitter.com/ZH0liBJ1V3
— Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) July 29, 2025
Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood stressed that the campaign’s focus must extend beyond VIP zones. “This drive gives long-overdue dignity to those living in JJ clusters and unauthorised colonies. Cleanliness should never be a privilege—it’s a right for every Delhiite,” he asserted.
Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh described the campaign as a transformative civic movement, stating, “This is more than just waste removal—it is a mission to make Delhi a model capital. Guided by PM Modi’s vision and Gandhiji’s dream, we are marching forward under the leadership of CM Rekha Gupta.”
The event was attended by senior leaders including PWD Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Culture Minister Kapil Mishra, Deputy Mayor Jai Bhagwan Yadav, Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma, and other dignitaries.
With major institutions aligned and citizens encouraged to step forward, Delhi’s ‘Freedom from Garbage’ campaign sets the stage for a model urban transformation.
