Chief Minister Rekha Gupta leads inspection as city targets roadside waste, construction debris and stricter enforcement

The Delhi government has begun a city-wide cleanliness drive aimed at removing accumulated waste, clearing construction debris and reducing dust pollution in the capital, as authorities seek to tighten enforcement on routine sanitation and building-related violations.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta joined municipal workers at Khyber Pass Chowk in Civil Lines on Saturday, where she reviewed on-ground cleaning operations and the conditions of pavements, drains and roadside dust-control measures. Officials present said the drive is intended to address long-standing waste management shortcomings that have contributed to the city’s poor air quality.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who inspected Saidulajab ward and IGNOU Road earlier in the day, said the administration had increased surveillance of solid waste handling and unauthorised construction activity. He stated that regular inspections were now being carried out three times a week, with directions issued to clear garbage, debris and overflowing dustbins, alongside monitoring of construction sites.

Sirsa told the media that the Public Works Department had begun removing legacy waste from key areas, and that data collected over the past several months was guiding the deployment of manpower and machinery. He added that an expanded campaign focused on industrial units and construction sites would be rolled out next week, with the aim of securing measurable improvement in air quality indicators.

In a message on social media, Sirsa said he had instructed municipal officers to ensure that there was “no negligence at any level” in roadside cleaning, refuse removal and dust mitigation. He urged residents to report cases of unattended waste or visible pollution through the MCD 311 or Green Delhi mobile applications, stating that public participation would be essential to achieving cleaner and healthier neighbourhoods.