Amid concerns over pollution in Yamuna, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said that the cleaning of the river is no longer merely a government programme but is now taking the form of a people’s movement. She made the comment while inspecting a clean-up drive of Yamuna at the Chhath Ghat near ITO.
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“The cleanliness of the Yamuna is no longer just a government initiative. It has become a people’s movement,” Gupta said.
Keeping Yamuna clean, pure and pure-flowing is not only the responsibility of the government, Gupta said, adding that it was a collective moral responsibility of everyone towards future generations.
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At the drive, Gupta appreciated the participation of volunteers from the Culture Youth Foundation – the organisers of the programme, local residents, youth groups and personnel from the Yamuna Task Force.
“The participation of people in large numbers, even on a Sunday, clearly reflects growing public awareness and commitment towards this cause,” she said.
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Gupta stressed that the participation of the youth is the greatest strength behind any meaningful social and environmental transformation.
Reiterating the symbolic and cultural significance of the river, Gupta said, “Maa Yamuna is not just a river. It is a living symbol of our nation’s faith, culture and civilisation.”
The CM said that her government was pursuing the clean-up of Yamuna “at a war footing, in a phased, scientific and well-planned manner.”
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“We are strengthening systems related to waste management, sewage treatment, biological treatment and continuous monitoring,” she added.
She also assured continued government support to people-led initiatives. “Sustainable and positive change is possible only when society and government work together,” Gupta said. Further, the CM urged people to maintain “awareness, discipline and sustained participation” to conserve Yamuna.