Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday joined a large number of young people, volunteers, social organisations and local residents in a ‘shramdaan’ drive at the Yamuna Ghat in Chilla Village as part of the ‘Clean Delhi with CM’ cleanliness campaign.
By personally participating in the Yamuna cleaning drive at the ghat, Gupta conveyed the message of public participation in keeping the river clean.
In her message to people on the occasion, Gupta stated that the Yamuna is not merely a river, but represents Delhi’s culture and is also the city’s lifeline.
She emphasised that keeping it clean, pure and free-flowing is not just the government’s responsibility, but the shared responsibility of every citizen.
The CM said that Yamuna, which has remained a centre of faith for millions of people for centuries, is currently facing the challenge of pollution, and restoring it to a clean and pristine state is a shared responsibility.
She said that the government is continuously working towards the scientific, sustainable and comprehensive rejuvenation of the Yamuna, and that the clean ghats are a living testament to that commitment.
Gupta said that the government is rapidly modernising sewage treatment plants, setting up new decentralised sewage treatment plants, expanding the sewer network, and tapping all drains flowing into the Yamuna in a phased manner as part of a scientific and sustainable solution.
She expressed confidence that, in the future, no untreated drain would flow directly into the Yamuna.
Praising the young participants and volunteers, the CM said that awareness within society has the power to bring about the greatest change, and urged people not to immerse puja materials, plastic, construction debris or any other waste into the river.
She informed that dedicated collection centres (porta cabins) across different parts of the city are being set up for the respectful disposal of puja materials and damaged idols.
These materials will then undergo scientific and systematic recycling, ensuring both respect for religious sentiments and effective waste management.
During the interaction, the volunteers informed her that the plastic waste collected during the drive could be recycled into benches, dustbins and other useful products for schools and environmental conservation.
Appreciating the innovative idea, the Chief Minister said the Delhi government would extend all possible support to such innovations and circular economy-based initiatives.
Expressing her gratitude to all the volunteers and social organisations that participated in the campaign, the Chief Minister said the Delhi government considers public participation to be the greatest strength of this initiative.