Delhi Govt Launches Cleanliness Drive With Rs 1 Crore Monthly Award for Top Ward

The Delhi government on Monday launched a citywide cleanliness drive across New Delhi, introducing a monthly Rs 1 crore award for the capital's cleanest ward as part of a year-long civic competition.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the initiative, titled ‘Delhi Ko Kude Se Azadi-Swachhta Abhiyan 2026’, which includes an intensive two-month campaign scheduled to continue through October 2. The drive will focus on clearing garbage-sensitive spots, enforcing waste segregation, advancing scientific processing of waste, and improving overall sanitation in public spaces.

According to the Chief Minister's office, the campaign will cover government offices, commercial markets, schools, hospitals, industrial areas, and other public grounds. The primary objective is to implement permanent solutions for persistent garbage-vulnerable points throughout the city.

The Rs 1 crore incentive awarded to the best ward each month will be funded through the chief minister’s development funds. The ward-level competitive evaluation will run for a total of 12 months.

Performance ratings for participating wards will be assessed using independent agency reports, official monitoring, and feedback submitted by residents, including complaints raised on social media platforms. Wards risk immediate disqualification if submitted garbage complaints are verified to be accurate.

The overall campaign is structured around the "four Cs" of waste management: collection, cleaning, conversion, and circular economy. The administration noted that emphasis will be directed toward segregation of waste at the source, systematic collection routines, scientific processing at specialized waste facilities, prompt remedial action, and converting municipal waste into reusable resources and green fuel.