Delhi Launches Mega Yamuna Cleanliness Drive Across 70 Ghats Under ‘Chalo Yamuna Abhiyan’

New Delhi: Delhi witnessed a large-scale cleanliness drive along the Yamuna River on Sunday as thousands of residents participated in the ‘Chalo Yamuna Abhiyan’ across all 70 designated ghats and surrounding areas. Led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the initiative brought together young people, resident welfare associations, social organisations, non-governmental organisations and public representatives to promote collective responsibility for keeping the river clean.

During the campaign, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta appealed to Delhi residents to become active ‘Yamuna Praharis’ rather than remain mere spectators. She emphasised that the goal of restoring the river’s cleanliness could only be achieved when every section of society worked alongside the government.

Why Is Public Participation Essential for Yamuna’s Cleanliness?

The Chief Minister said cleanliness should not be limited to a one-day campaign but must become an integral part of everyday life. She stressed that citizens must take responsibility for protecting the river and keeping its surroundings clean.

During the cleanliness drive, volunteers collected large quantities of waste, including discarded religious garments, broken idols, worship materials and other rubbish from areas around the river.

Rekha Gupta pointed out that leaving religious offerings and other ritual materials in the river or along its ghats contributes to pollution. She said genuine devotion to the Yamuna must also include a commitment to preserving its purity.

Residents were urged not to dispose of worship materials, religious remnants, plastic packaging and other waste in the river. Instead, they were encouraged to ensure their proper collection and disposal.

What Steps Is the Delhi Government Taking to Control Pollution?

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Delhi government was working on multiple fronts to reduce pollution in the Yamuna and address its underlying causes.

According to the Chief Minister, work has begun on establishing sewage treatment plants (STPs) and decentralised sewage treatment plants to prevent contaminated wastewater from drains from entering the river. Desilting operations in the capital’s drains are also underway.

The government stated that millions of tonnes of silt had been removed from drains during the previous year. The Chief Minister said projects related to the Yamuna’s cleanliness were being prioritised to ensure more effective control over pollution sources.

However, she underlined that government initiatives alone would not be sufficient. Changes in public behaviour and responsible waste disposal practices are equally important to maintaining the river’s cleanliness.

How Can Citizens Help Transform the Yamuna?

Rekha Gupta said public participation could become a powerful force for change when thousands of people work together towards a common goal. She described the ‘Chalo Yamuna Abhiyan’ as a symbol of this collective commitment.

The Chief Minister urged residents to maintain cleanliness in their neighbourhoods, dispose of waste responsibly and contribute regularly to keeping the Yamuna’s ghats clean.

The campaign conveyed a clear message: the Yamuna is not merely a river but an important part of Delhi’s cultural heritage, religious faith and everyday life. Protecting it is not the responsibility of a single government department but a collective duty shared by the entire city.