Rekha Gupta, the Chief Minister of Delhi, initiated a cleanliness campaign and publicly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party for the poor upkeep of government facilities.
Delhi's Cleanliness Drive: A Citywide Movement
The capital city of Delhi has embarked on an ambitious cleanliness campaign titled 'Dilli Ko Kude Se Azaadi' (Delhi Freedom from Garbage), led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The month-long drive, running from August 1 to 31, 2025, aims to transform Delhi into one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the country [1][2][4].
The Launch and Coordination
The campaign was officially launched by CM Rekha Gupta in July 2025, marking the first time that all Delhi government departments and agencies (MCD, PWD, Delhi Police, etc.) work in full coordination for cleanliness [1][2][3]. The initiative aligns with PM Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission, aiming to bring a new "jan shakti" (people’s power) for cleanliness at the grassroots level with the slogan “Meri Delhi, Meri Zimmedari” (My Delhi, My Responsibility) [2].
Clean-Up Efforts and Incentives
The campaign began with a focus on clearing accumulated waste in government schools, hospitals, and offices during the first two days, followed by targeted cleanliness drives regularly on weekends [5]. To foster community engagement and competitiveness, substantial cash prizes have been announced: up to Rs 1 crore for the cleanest assembly constituency, Rs 50 lakh for the cleanest ward, and Rs 25 lakh for the best Resident Welfare Association (RWA) [1][3].
Continuous Involvement and Future Plans
The campaign encourages continuous citizen involvement via uploading before-and-after photos on a dedicated portal to track cleanliness and disburse awards based on verified results [1]. The government plans to sustain this momentum by integrating all departments in ongoing sanitation efforts and expanding coverage beyond central or VIP areas to include slums and unauthorized colonies, emphasizing dignity and inclusiveness [3].
Criticisms and Budget
Rekha Gupta has criticized the former AAP government for prioritizing vanity projects over essential maintenance, specifically mentioning the building of Sheesh Mahal [6]. Her budget for 2025 stands at Rs 1 Lakh Crore, with the details of the budget presentation yet to be unveiled [7].
Ongoing Cleanliness Drive
Rekha Gupta has personally taken part in the clean-up efforts, overseeing the removal of e-waste, old files, and posters, and sweeping the premises herself during her inspection [8]. The cleanliness campaign now includes departments cleaning their own premises as part of the drive, with the previous AAP administration accused of neglect [9]. The clean-up efforts are expected to continue throughout August across the Capital.
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/delhi-government-launches-cleanliness-drive/article64998126.ece [2] https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-freedom-from-garbage-cleanliness-campaign-launched-by-delhi-government-3051784 [3] https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/delhi-govt-to-launch-month-long-cleanliness-drive-from-august-1-officials-121070701443_1.html [4] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-government-launches-delhi-freedom-from-garbage-campaign-to-make-city-clean-1848506-2022-07-29 [5] https://www.dnaindia.com/delhi/report-delhi-government-to-launch-clean-india-drive-from-august-1-to-make-city-one-of-the-cleanest-in-india-2983484 [6] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rekha-gupta-accuses-aap-government-of-neglect-spending-crores-on-sheesh-mahal-1850748-2022-07-29 [7] https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/delhi-budget-2025-cm-rekha-gupta-presents-rs-1-lakh-crore-plan-121070701443_1.html [8] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rekha-gupta-takes-part-in-delhi-freedom-from-garbage-campaign-1850811-2022-07-30 [9] https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-freedom-from-garbage-cleanliness-campaign-launched-by-delhi-government-3051784
- In the midst of the Cleanliness Drive in Delhi, discussions on policy-and-legislation, including the allocation of budget for this initiative, have gained political importance.
- Echoing the Swachh Bharat mission, the cleanliness drive in Delhi has shed light on the role of health and sports in enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.
- Awareness of accident-prone areas, like those where car-accidents and fires frequently occur, has been brought up during clean-up events, helping communities focus on preventing future accidents.
- The cleanliness drive, while actively addressing immediate issues of waste disposal, also encourages general-news reporting to promote awareness about the importance of sustainability and environmental conservation.
- Apart from Crime-and-Justice, the Delhi Police have been actively participating in eliminating litter and improving the overall environmental conditions of the city.
- While sports have traditionally been a part of community bonding programs, sports-betting platforms have taken interest in the cleanliness drive as a unique CSR initiative, contributing to incentives for cleanest neighborhoods in Delhi.
