NDMC launches ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ drive

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) inaugurated its ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ campaign, which will run from September 17 to October 2. The initiative, celebrating the 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, is part of the broader Swachh Bharat Mission’s 10th anniversary festivities.

The campaign was officially launched with a grand rally featuring 155 sanitation workers from NDMC. The rally, which began at A Block, Inner Circle, Connaught Place, highlighted the pivotal role of these “sanitation heroes” and included their daily working vehicles and bikes.

The event was flagged off by Bansuri Swaraj, Member of Parliament for New Delhi, alongside vice chairman of NDMC, Satish Upadhyay, council member Vishakha Shailani, and NDMC secretary Krishna Mohan Uppu.

“This rally is a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and reflects NDMC’s commitment to cleanliness as a service,” said. Upadhyay, who administered the Swachhata pledge to participants. “Our goal is to engage the public in this cleanliness drive and highlight our achievements.”

Besides the rally, the campaign will see widespread citizen participation.

On September 7, approximately 30,000 students from 50 NDMC schools took part in the world’s largest Swachhata pledge, promoting cleanliness and hygiene. Healthcare staff from NDMC hospitals also joined the initiative, showcasing the inclusive nature of the campaign.

“The Swachhata Hi Sewa Campaign is designed to engage citizens through various activities and celebrate the progress made over the past decade,” said Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. “The funds raised will support the Namami Gange Project, reinforcing our commitment to environmental preservation,” he added.

The campaign will also include a meditation and yoga camp organised by the Ayush Department for sanitation workers, aiming to improve their physical and mental well-being. Additionally, 14 nodal officers will oversee the campaign’s execution, focusing on slum areas, parks, religious places and commercial zones.

However, the event caused some disruptions in Connaught Place. Vikram, a member of the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), expressed frustration: “The event led to significant business losses. Parking restrictions and traffic diversions have affected all blocks, not just A Block. This resulted in decreased customer traffic and economic impact across Connaught Place.”