Bansuri Swaraj Flags Off NDMC Swachhta Rally from Connaught Place for Sanitation Workers and Vehicles

NDMC Launches Fortnight Campaign “Swachhata Hi Seva” on the Theme “Swabhav Swachhta, Sanskar Swachhata”

New Delhi : The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) launched the “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign, featuring 155 Swachhta Nayaks (Cleanliness Champions) to commemorate the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The campaign, which will run from 17th September to 2nd October 2024, follows the motivational theme “Swabhav Swachhta, Sanskar Swachhata.” It will conclude on 2nd October with Swachh Bharat Day, marking the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Campaign Launch: Cleanliness Rally with 155 Heroes

The Swachhta Hi Seva campaign was kicked off with a grand rally of sanitation vehicles from A Block, Inner Circle, Connaught Place. A total of 155 dedicated sanitation workers, along with their work vehicles and bikes, participated in the rally, honoring Mahatma Gandhi’s 155th birth anniversary.

Ms. Bansuri Swaraj, Hon’ble Member of Parliament for New Delhi, flagged off the rally. The event also saw the presence of Municipal Council Vice President Mr. Satish Upadhyay, Municipal Council Member Mrs. Vishakha Shailani, and Secretary of the Council Mr. Krishna Mohan Uppu. These “Swachhta Heroes” will use their commuter bikes to spread awareness about the “Swachhta Hi Seva” campaign and invite citizens to actively participate in the fortnight’s activities.

Mr. Upadhyay administered the cleanliness pledge to all participants. The rally symbolizes NDMC’s dedication to providing ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ (Cleanliness as Service) to the citizens of India’s capital while honoring the Father of the Nation.

A Decade of Progress: NDMC Achieves Water Plus and Five-Star Sanitation Status

Over the last ten years, the Swachh Bharat Mission has transformed sanitation standards across the country. NDMC has achieved the prestigious Water Plus and Five-Star City status due to its exceptional waste management systems. All waste generated in households and commercial areas is converted into electricity, and compost from waste is used to enhance the greenery of New Delhi. All sewage water is recycled for horticultural activities.

The NDMC area boasts 76 fountains and 23 statues along the roads in a compact area of 42.74 sq km. The welfare of sanitation workers (Safai Mitras) has been a top priority for NDMC. It has regularized 4,400 RMR employees, including sweepers, and ensured that their wages comply with the 7th Pay Commission. These initiatives have positioned New Delhi as a model city for cleanliness and sustainability.

Broad Citizen Participation: A Citywide Cleanliness Pledge

Along with the rally, 30,000 students from 50 NDMC schools participated in the world’s largest cleanliness drive on September 7th to promote hygiene. Additionally, 200 healthcare workers, including doctors of Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Allopathy from NDMC hospitals, took the cleanliness pledge and engaged in hospital-based cleanliness activities, reflecting the inclusion of all streams of medicine in this national movement.

Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Traders Associations (MTAs), and other community leaders will also take the cleanliness pledge as part of the campaign. On September 14th, Secretary NDMC administered the cleanliness oath to department heads and senior officials. The entire sanitation and horticulture workforce also pledged their commitment to keeping NDMC clean and green.

The “Swachhta Hi Seva” campaign seeks to engage citizens in large-scale cleanliness drives, eliminate difficult waste spots (black spots), recognize the contributions of sanitation workers, and celebrate the achievements of the Swachh Bharat Mission over the past decade. This initiative reaffirms NDMC’s commitment to promoting clean and sustainable waste management practices.

Meditation and Yoga Camps for Sanitation Workers

The AYUSH Department of NDMC will organize meditation and yoga camps to improve the physical and mental well-being of Swachhta Nayaks. These camps will be held at AYUSH units located at Mandir Marg, Aurangzeb Lane, and Dharma Marg.

Ayush Department of NDMC to Organize Meditation and Yoga Camps for Swachhta Nayaks

The Ayush Department of NDMC will organize meditation and yoga camps aimed at improving the lifestyle and well-being of Swachhta Nayaks, making them both physically and mentally healthier. These yoga camps will take place at AYUSH units located at Mandir Marg, Aurangzeb Lane, and Dharma Marg.

Wide Campaign Coverage Across NDMC Area

NDMC has appointed 14 Head of Department (HOD) level officers as Nodal Officers to ensure the smooth implementation of the Swachhta Hi Seva Abhiyan. These officers, along with RWAs, MTAs, and departments such as sanitation, horticulture, and civil engineering, will conduct cleanliness drives in slums, commercial areas, parks, and public spaces.

The nodal officers will submit detailed reports that include before and after photographs of the clean-up efforts, quantities of plastic waste, construction and demolition (C&D) debris/garbage, and the number of citizens involved. They will also ensure collaboration between JJ clusters, commercial areas, residents, and key public locations like Central Park and Talkatora Garden.

Major Areas Covered by the Campaign

The Swachhta Abhiyan will focus on areas such as Palika Dham, JJ Camp behind Chelmsford Club, slums in Talkatora Park, Princess Park, Jodhpur Mess, and the Safdarjung Flyover. Major parks and gardens, including Central Park, Talkatora Garden, Lodhi Garden, Nehru Park, and parks in various colonies, will also be covered. Religious sites like Hanuman Mandir, Birla Mandir, Gurdwara Rakab Ganj, and Bangla Sahib will be part of the campaign as well.

Campaign Activities

The Swachhta Hi Seva Mission will engage citizens through various activities, including:

• Special cultural programs for and by sanitation workers in Central Park, Connaught Place.
• Selfie points with the SHS logo and signature campaign boards at prominent locations.
• Special e-waste collection drives in collaboration with national leaders.
• Audio-visual presentations on LED screens.
• Walkathons and rallies.
• School-level key competitions, Swachhta dialogues, and street plays (Nukkad Natak).
• Plastic ban awareness rallies, plogging campaigns, and a mega cleanliness drive.
• Drain cleaning, repair activities, and temple cleaning in JJ clusters.
• Composting awareness campaigns.
• Celebrations honoring sanitation workers and other stakeholders with cultural programs.
• Training programs and medical camps for sewermen and baildars.
• A bike rally led by sanitation workers in Connaught Place, focusing on slum areas and Valmiki Basti as part of the cleanliness and sanitation campaign.

Call to Action: Let’s Make New Delhi the Cleanest Capital of the World

NDMC urges all citizens, RWAs, MTAs, and stakeholders to actively participate in this campaign to make New Delhi the cleanest capital in the world. The success of this mass movement relies on the involvement of every citizen. Together, we can take pride in contributing to a clean and sustainable future for our beloved city.

Under NDMC’s leadership, New Delhi is setting a national example by demonstrating that sanitation is not just a service but a shared responsibility.