New Delhi’s civic administration has undertaken a citywide sanitation and restoration drive following the grand celebrations of Chhath Mahaparv, focusing on reviving the Yamuna Ghats and surrounding neighbourhoods. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has deployed extensive manpower and resources to ensure that the riverbanks, lanes, and open spaces return to their pre-festival state, reinforcing the capital’s commitment to public hygiene and environmental sustainability.
According to officials, the operation is among the largest post-festival cleanups conducted in recent times, encompassing not just removal of waste but also fogging, disinfection, and water quality maintenance at ghats. The civic teams worked through the night immediately after the festival concluded, ensuring that organic waste, discarded ritual materials, and plastic debris were swiftly cleared to prevent pollution of the Yamuna. Officials from MCD’s sanitation department said the objective was to uphold the principles of Swachh Bharat and ensure that faith-based gatherings did not leave behind ecological scars. “We have adopted an integrated approach that combines sanitation with environmental protection. Each zone has been given specific targets to ensure visible transformation within 48 hours,” an official stated.
In several zones, councillors, civic workers, and volunteers actively participated in the clean-up operations. The engagement of residents and community groups has been a notable aspect of this year’s effort, reflecting growing public awareness of sustainable urban practices. Officials also highlighted that waste collected during the drive is being segregated for composting and recycling — part of the city’s ongoing mission to reduce landfill dependency. In North Shahdara and Narela zones, civic teams released before-and-after visuals showing the restored ghats and public spaces. Similar efforts were mirrored in areas like Rohini and Geeta Colony, where drains were desilted and roads sanitised to prevent mosquito breeding post-celebration.
Experts in environmental management have commended the MCD’s proactive measures, noting that large-scale religious events often test the resilience of urban sanitation systems. “Festivals such as Chhath are cultural cornerstones but also an opportunity to demonstrate civic discipline and eco-consciousness. Delhi’s approach this time reflects an evolving urban ethos — where faith and sustainability can coexist,” said one expert. As Delhi continues to face mounting urban challenges, from waste generation to water pollution, such initiatives set a precedent for eco-conscious civic administration. The Yamuna cleanup, in particular, aligns with the broader national objective of rejuvenating river ecosystems while nurturing responsible urban citizenship.
The post-festival drive not only restores cleanliness but also symbolises a larger civic transformation — one where collective responsibility, awareness, and institutional action come together to sustain India’s capital as a clean, green, and resilient city.
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