The Delhi government has launched the ‘Delhi Ko Kude Se Azadi–Swachhta Abhiyan 2026’, a two-month citywide cleanliness campaign aimed at tackling garbage-sensitive locations, improving waste segregation, strengthening scientific waste processing and maintaining cleaner public spaces. The campaign will continue until October 2, 2026, covering government offices, markets, schools, hospitals, industrial areas and other public spaces.
A key feature of the initiative is a 12-month ward-level cleanliness competition, under which the best-performing ward each month will receive ₹1 crore. According to the Delhi government, the award will be funded through the Chief Minister’s Development Funds. Ward performance will be evaluated on the basis of reports from an independent agency and government officials, along with citizen complaints and feedback received through social media. Wards may face disqualification if verified garbage-related complaints are found to be genuine.
The campaign is structured around the ‘four Cs’ of waste management—collection, cleaning, conversion and circular economy. The government said the focus will be on segregation at source, efficient waste collection, scientific processing at waste facilities and prompt action on sanitation issues. It will also promote the conversion of waste into resources and green fuel, linking everyday cleanliness with broader circular-economy objectives.
The campaign includes a series of targeted cleanliness activities across the city. Drives in slum clusters are scheduled for August 23 and 30 and September 6 and 13, while public toilets will receive special attention every Saturday and Sunday. A green-waste removal drive will be conducted from September 1 to 10, followed by a cleanliness drive at government hospitals on September 17. Government schools will participate in the ‘Mera School, Sabse Sundar’ competition and a zero-waste campus campaign from September 17 to October 2.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the campaign seeks to make cleanliness part of citizens’ everyday behaviour, rather than limiting it to periodic drives. Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood said the initiative aims to bring a change in citizens’ approach towards cleanliness. Mayor Pravesh Wahi highlighted the importance of improved coordination between the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to strengthen waste management, sanitation and the upkeep of public spaces.
The Delhi government has also directed civic authorities and departments to prepare detailed action plans, ensure time-bound implementation and undertake regular monitoring. The initiative therefore combines ward-level competition and financial incentives with targeted interventions aimed at improving the city’s waste-management and sanitation systems. TOI
Also Read: From Shahjahanabad to the Master Plan: A.K. Jain Reflects on the Evolution of Delhi’s Urban Planning
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