Delhi deploys 300 night cleaners for BRICS
The New Delhi Municipal Council has deployed 300 sanitation workers on night shifts and increased mechanised cleaning to ensure public spaces are spotless
The New Delhi Municipal Council has deployed nearly 300 sanitation workers on night shifts to clean the city ahead of the BRICS Summit. The intensified cleaning regime, which began on September 4, aims to ensure major roads and public spaces are free of accumulated waste before the morning rush each day.
According to NDMC officials, the bulk of sweeping and waste-lifting is now conducted overnight. Sanitation teams sweep roads, lift scattered waste, and empty bins and trolleys during the night. Pressure-jet cleaning of surfaces follows in the early morning. A morning shift then handles finishing work and addresses any fresh sanitation needs that arise.
Mechanised and Manual Operations
The civic body is supplementing this workforce with increased mechanised cleaning. Officials report using 15 Gobbler machines during the day at strategic locations to collect litter. An additional 11 pressure-jetting machines are deployed for deep cleaning of roads, footpaths, and market areas.
These machines are supported by extra sanitation workers for manual sweeping. This is particularly focused on markets, pedestrian zones, and other spots requiring detailed attention. Door-to-door waste collection has also been stepped up in major markets and high-footfall areas to prevent public garbage accumulation.
Three-Shift Workforce System
Officials outlined the shift distribution for the sanitation workforce. The personnel are divided across three shifts, with the night shift being the largest.
| Shift | Number of Personnel |
|---|---|
| Night | About 300 |
| Evening | About 120 |
| Morning | Remaining workforce |
Trolley lifting for removing collected waste is also organised across these three shifts to ensure timely clearance. Supervisory staff, officers, and Palika Sahayaks have been directed to remain available around the clock. Leave has been cancelled or restricted to ensure adequate manpower during the summit period.
Focus on Continuous Cleanliness
The focus, officials stated, is on maintaining cleanliness throughout the day rather than limiting major work to the conventional morning shift. The arrangements are designed to allow quick action in case of littering or waste accumulation, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Major markets are now being cleaned three times a day during the morning, evening, and night shifts. Main roads and other important stretches are under continuous supervision. Field and supervisory staff are maintaining a close watch on cleanliness across all major roads, markets, and public spaces within the NDMC's jurisdiction.
The council will monitor these arrangements around the clock. Officials said the NDMC is prepared to make additional deployments wherever required during the summit, which is scheduled for September 12-13 at the Bharat Mandapam.
