Delhi govt pushes mechanised cleaning, to fund 1,000 litter-picking machines

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday said her government is pushing mechanical sweeping and garbage collection in the city by funding the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for 1,000 litter-picking machines.

She said the number of such machines would be increased after the first batch is suitably deployed.

Speaking at the Safai Mitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir, Gupta also said the government has provided funds to the MCD for mechanical sweeping machines, including 70 large ones. She said the Delhi government on Tuesday decided to fund 30 small-sized mechanical sweepers for cleaning and dust removal in narrow lanes and streets.

Addressing sanitation workers at the event, Gupta praised their work in keeping the city clean. She said her government is providing them with machines and tools, while also working for their welfare through schemes linked to health and education.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar and Union Minister of State BL Verma attended the programme at the MCD headquarters.

In a post on X, the Delhi Chief Minister's Office said the camp brought care and welfare closer to 'safai mitras', 'swachhagrahis' and their families through preventive health check-ups, access to welfare schemes of the Centre and the Delhi government, and distribution of PPE and safety kits.

The post said, "Our safai mitras are the strength behind a Swachh Delhi. Delhi government expresses its deepest gratitude for their invaluable service and remains committed to their dignity, safety and welfare." Kumar said the government is committed to ensuring safety, dignity and socio-economic empowerment for sanitation workers, and asserted that no worker should lose their life while cleaning a sewer or septic tank.

Kumar said, "Safai mitras are not merely guardians of cleanliness; they also play an important role in building a clean and healthy India. Therefore, we all must collectively work for their respect, safety, health and socio-economic empowerment."

He added that the contribution of sanitation workers cannot be forgotten or overlooked, as their work helps keep cities and towns clean and reduces the burden of diseases and hospital expenditure. The programme focused on both expanding mechanised cleaning and extending welfare support to sanitation workers and their families.