Delhi CM Rekha Gupta to launch Yamuna Cleanliness Drive on June 14
New Delhi, June 7
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will launch the government's Yamuna Riverfront Cleanliness Campaign 2026 on June 14 with the objective of restoring the Yamuna's glory, cleaning riverbanks and raising public awareness, an official said on Sunday.
Chief Minister Gupta will participate in the mega campaign and join citizens in strengthening the collective resolve for a clean and healthy Yamuna.
The Chief Minister said that the Yamuna is not merely a river but an integral part of Delhi's cultural, religious and environmental heritage.
She noted that the responsibility of protecting the Yamuna rests not only with the government but also with every citizen.
With this vision, the large-scale campaign is being organised to spread awareness and encourage collective participation.
On June 14, cleanliness drives and public awareness activities will be conducted simultaneously at major ghats along the Yamuna riverfront.
The campaign is expected to see the participation of nearly 500 social, religious, educational and voluntary organisations, along with thousands of volunteers. The programme will serve as an important initiative towards making the Yamuna cleaner through collective public effort and commitment, said a statement.
The Chief Minister said that last year, the 'Meri Yamuna, Mera Kartavya' campaign was also launched to clean the Yamuna and its ghats.
Thousands of volunteers participated in that initiative, and more than 12 tonnes of waste were collected and scientifically disposed of. The encouraging public response to the campaign demonstrated that significant change is possible when society and the government work together.
She said that this year's campaign is being organised on a much larger scale. In coordination with the local administration, police, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Health Department and other agencies, all necessary arrangements related to security, traffic management, drinking water, first aid, emergency services and sanitation are being put in place.
Chief Minister Gupta said that keeping the Yamuna clean is not a one-day campaign but a shared responsibility.
Urging citizens, social organisations, youth and volunteers to actively participate, she said that only through public involvement can the dream of a clean, pristine and life-giving Yamuna be realised.
— IANS
Reader Comments
*Sigh* Another photo-op campaign. 🙄 Every year they launch something - 'Meri Yamuna, Mera Kartavya', now this. What about the 35 million litres of untreated sewage flowing into Yamuna daily? Cleanliness drives on ghats are fine but address the root cause - the 18 drains that pump filth into the river. Hope CM Gupta proves me wrong this time.
As someone who works with an environmental NGO here, I can tell you these drives do create awareness. Last year we had over 500 volunteers show up - students, housewives, even some elderly folks. The problem is sustaining momentum. The Yamuna won't be clean in a year, but if the government keeps up pressure on polluters and involves citizens, maybe in 10 years we'll see change. Kudos to CM for prioritizing this.
Yamuna is not just a river, it's our mother - that's what our scriptures say. But look at what we've done to her. 😢 I appreciate the government's effort but citizens need to change too. Stop throwing garbage, stop washing clothes with detergent at the ghats, stop plastic. My society adopted a stretch near ISBT last year - we've placed bins and painted wall murals. Small things matter!
Good initiative but I'm skeptical. I remember when Sheila Dikshit's government promised to clean Yamuna by 2010 Commonwealth Games - spent thousands of crores, result? Same stinking river. Now CM Gupta announces this with fanfare. Let's hope she delivers better. The real test will be after June 14 - will they maintain the cleanliness or let it rot again? Actions speak louder than press releases.
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