YamunaCleanup – Massive Riverfront Sanitation Campaign Draws Public Participation
YamunaCleanup – Thousands of residents, volunteers, community groups, and political representatives came together on Sunday for an extensive cleanliness campaign conducted along the banks of the Yamuna River. The programme, titled “Yamuna Tat Swachhta Abhiyan 2026,” was organised by the Delhi government and carried out simultaneously at 28 riverfront ghats across the city.
Leaders Join Public Cleanup Activities
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta participated in the campaign at Dashmesh Ghat in Geeta Colony, where she joined volunteers in cleaning operations. Union Minister and Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra also took part in the initiative along the Yamuna Bank area alongside party members and local workers. Ministers, legislators, civic representatives, and residents were seen contributing to the effort at multiple locations throughout the day.
Large-Scale Drive Across Riverfront Stretch
According to officials, the cleanliness exercise was conducted simultaneously along nearly 22 kilometres of the Yamuna riverfront. Authorities described the campaign as one of the largest coordinated public participation efforts focused on river conservation in the capital. More than 500 social, community, and voluntary organisations were involved in the initiative, reflecting broad support for environmental improvement measures.
Government Plans Continued Action
The Delhi government stated that the campaign is intended to become a recurring activity rather than a one-time event. Officials indicated that similar programmes will be organised regularly at different locations to maintain cleanliness and strengthen public awareness regarding river conservation.
Speaking during the event, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reiterated that restoring the health of the Yamuna remains a major priority for the administration. She noted that projects valued at over ₹1,000 crore related to river restoration and water resource management have already received approval.
Sewage Treatment Infrastructure Under Development
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure measures, Gupta said that 12 decentralised sewage treatment plants are being established in the Najafgarh region under the AMRUT scheme. The projects, being developed at an estimated cost of ₹860 crore, are aimed at reducing the discharge of untreated wastewater into the Yamuna and improving overall water quality.
Officials believe that strengthening sewage treatment capacity is a critical component of long-term efforts to revive the river and address pollution concerns affecting the waterway.
Focus on Pollution-Free Yamuna
Harsh Malhotra described the Yamuna as an important lifeline for Delhi and emphasised the need for collective action to improve its condition. He said coordinated efforts involving government agencies, civic organisations, and local communities are being undertaken to achieve a cleaner and less polluted river environment.
The campaign was conducted at several key locations, including Kalindi Kunj, ITO Ghat, Nigam Bodh Ghat, Nizamuddin Ghat, Sonia Vihar, Geeta Colony, and stretches near Wazirabad.
AAP Raises Concerns Over Water Shortages
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party staged a protest in Chhatarpur over what residents described as a prolonged water shortage affecting the area. Demonstrators claimed that many localities have been facing inadequate water supply for more than a month.
Protesters demanded immediate steps to restore regular water distribution and alleged that water tanker operations were contributing to black marketing. The party also criticised the BJP and the Delhi Jal Board, urging authorities to address the concerns raised by residents at the earliest.