Instructions for night-time cleaning in colonies and big markets, officers should work hard to improve cleanliness arrangements: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
Cleanliness is not merely a government campaign, but a responsibility linked to public interest and the dignity of citizens: Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood
New Delhi, October 2026 : To provide a clean and beautiful environment to the residents of Delhi during Diwali and other festivals, Chief Minister Mrs. Rekha Gupta has taken a strict stance regarding the cleanliness system. She gave clear instructions that negligence at any level regarding cleanliness in the capital will not be tolerated. The Chief Minister directed the concerned departments and agencies to immediately rectify the cleanliness system, remove garbage dumps, and ensure regular cleaning. She also directed the Municipal Corporation to start night-time cleaning in residential colonies, major markets, and prominent market areas so that cleanliness is visible in every part of the capital during the festival season.
Regarding this subject, the Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat on Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Urban Development Minister Mr. Ashish Sood, Mayor of Delhi Mr. Parvesh Wahi, other representatives of the corporation, Chief Secretary of Delhi Government Mr. Rajiv Verma, Municipal Commissioner Mr. Sanjeev Khirwar, and senior officers of the concerned departments. In the meeting, the Chief Minister stated that complaints are being received regarding heaps of garbage lying around and delay in garbage collection in some areas of Delhi. While efforts are being made for cleanliness, their expected results are not visible on the ground. Complaints of negligence in garbage collection have also come to light in certain zones. Demands are also being made to improve cleanliness arrangements in major markets and shopping areas. She instructed the officers to take these complaints seriously, initiate immediate action, and ensure that the effect of improvement in cleanliness is clearly visible.
The Chief Minister directed the Mayor and the Municipal Commissioner to accelerate the cleanliness drive across Delhi in view of the upcoming festivals. In areas where additional staff is needed, human resources should be made available immediately. If required, new workers should also be hired for night-time cleaning drives. She said that cleaning residential colonies and major markets at night will help maintain cleanliness during daytime public movement. Comprehensive improvements in the cleanliness system must be ensured before the festivals.
The Chief Minister clarified that timely collection of garbage after sweeping is equally important. Delays lead to the accumulation of garbage dumps again. Therefore, better coordination between sweeping and garbage collection activities must be ensured. She directed the officers that garbage, construction debris, and filth must be removed immediately from roads, intersections, flyovers, markets, residential areas, and other public places. Along with addressing the issue of dust on the roads, regular cleaning drives should be conducted so that the citizens of the capital get a clean environment.
The Chief Minister instructed all senior officers to personally visit their respective areas to inspect cleanliness arrangements and immediately rectify shortcomings. She said that merely holding meetings and preparing reports will not improve the system. Officers will have to go into the field and ensure that the instructions given are being followed. Wherever deficiencies are found, immediate solutions should be provided in coordination with the concerned agencies. The Chief Minister also emphasized better use of technology in the cleanliness system to strengthen monitoring and make the results of work clearly visible.
A positive change in cleanliness should be visible in every area: Urban Development Minister
In the meeting, Urban Development Minister Mr. Ashish Sood ordered corporation officials to use new technology to make Delhi clean and free from heaps of garbage. He warned that action would be taken against those showing negligence in this campaign. He said that festivals are symbols of happiness, enthusiasm, and mutual harmony. On these occasions, every family wants their home, neighborhood, market, and the entire city to look clean and beautiful. He stated that a positive change in cleanliness should be visible in every area of Delhi during this festive period, and negligence at any level will not be accepted.
