Chief Minister inspects the area on Gandhi Jayanti, directs officials to take prompt action on civic issues
New Delhi, October 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Friday participated in a cleanliness drive organised in Azadpur under the ‘Seva Mera Yogdan’ campaign on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. Along with taking part in the cleanliness drive, the Chief Minister conducted a detailed inspection of the area and took stock of the condition of the central verge, footpaths, roadside walls, drainage system and nearby public spaces.
During the inspection, the Chief Minister sought information from officials about the garbage in the area, encroachment of footpaths by fruit vendors, unauthorised advertisements on walls and damaged public infrastructure. She directed officials to ensure that there is no negligence in the cleanliness and maintenance of public spaces and that the issues are addressed through permanent solutions.
Inspects cleanliness of central verge and public spaces
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also inspected the central verge in the Azadpur area and reviewed the cleanliness arrangements there. She directed officials to ensure regular cleaning of the central verge and surrounding areas. She also instructed them to improve the underpass and the long walls in the area through wall paintings and beautification, so that the area has a cleaner and more attractive appearance.
During the inspection, the Chief Minister also interacted with people selling fruit on the footpath. She said that a proper solution would be worked out keeping in mind the needs of people who depend on their businesses for their livelihood, while ensuring that the footpaths remain accessible to pedestrians and cleanliness is maintained in the area. She asked officials and local representatives to ensure better coordination so that commuters do not face inconvenience and suitable arrangements can also be developed for the vendors.
Special focus on cleanliness around footpaths and mandi area
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also appealed to fruit vendors and workers at Azadpur Mandi to help maintain cleanliness. She said that while respecting the hard work of workers who sell fruit on carts to earn their livelihood, it is also important to ensure that no waste is left behind after work is over.
If waste generated after selling fruit on the footpath is left there, it can enter the drains and once again affect the drainage system. Therefore, a proper cleanliness system should be ensured with the cooperation of both officials and workers engaged at the mandi.
Directions for development of Atal Chowk
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that a statue of late former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee is planned to be installed at the chowk being developed in the area in December, and the chowk will be named ‘Atal Chowk’. She directed officials to ensure that the chowk and the road connected to it are kept clean and made attractive. Special attention should also be given to greenery, cleanliness and better public facilities in the area.
Cleanliness is not just a campaign, but a way of life
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Mahatma Gandhi considered cleanliness the foundation of a healthy and civilised society. She said that the Swachh Bharat Mission, launched 12 years ago under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, has now become a nationwide people’s movement. She said cleanliness should not be limited to a one-day campaign, but should become part of our lifestyle and values. Keeping not just our homes but also our streets, neighbourhoods, markets and surrounding public spaces clean is the responsibility of every citizen.
The Chief Minister said the cleanliness pledge will be meaningful only when we put it into practice. Disposing of waste at designated places, not littering public spaces and encouraging others to maintain cleanliness are small efforts that together can lay the foundation for a bigger change. MLA Shri Rajkumar Bhatia, Municipal Corporation officials, other public representatives and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
