Delhi launches Yamuna Prahari app as students pledge river
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the 'Main Bhi Yamuna Prahari' app on October 18 to enlist citizen volunteers for Yamuna cleanup, as thousands of
The Main Bhi Yamuna Prahari app launched on October 18 at the Delhi University Sports Complex to enlist volunteers, especially students, for river conservation under the Seva Sankalp campaign. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta opened registration for the app, encouraging students, teachers, social organisations, and all citizens to join the Yamuna cleanliness drive. The initiative aims to mobilize youth for the river's conservation.
Students pledge action as govt scales up infrastructure
Thousands of students from 30 Delhi University colleges are set to pledge commitment to Yamuna cleanliness and conservation on October 18. This mass pledge will formally integrate them into the campaign. Concurrently, construction work has begun at 12 locations for sewage treatment plants at Yamuna drain outfalls. Delhi BJP chief Malhotra confirmed the tender process for setting up plants at all 22 major drains flowing into the river has been completed.
Leadership stresses shared responsibility over state action alone
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra emphasized that cleaning the Yamuna requires a partnership between government and society. Gupta stated that government interventions alone are insufficient. She identified everyday practices, often unintentional, as significant pollution sources. "Some everyday practices of citizens, often unintentionally, also contribute to the pollution of the Yamuna," she said. This includes immersing puja materials, flowers, garlands, and damaged idols in the river. She called for behavioural change and highlighted the role of youth in bringing technological innovation and public participation to the effort.
Union Minister Harsh Malhotra outlined the scale of government investment and infrastructure projects. He said over ₹3,000 crore had been allocated for cleaning the Yamuna after the new government's formation. Malhotra stated that projects are being undertaken to prevent drains from discharging into the Yamuna and to improve sewage treatment. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva added that a comprehensive action plan with priority on river cleanliness is now underway.
Broad-based support marks launch event
The launch event demonstrated cross-sector backing. Attendees included Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh, Delhi BJP general secretary Mohanlal Gihara, and MLA Surya Prakash Khatri. A large number of students and young people were present. Gupta made a special appeal to Delhi University students to take the campaign’s message to their colleges, families, and communities. The initiative, described as a step toward strengthening civic responsibility, seeks to become a public movement.
Thousands of students from 30 Delhi University colleges will pledge Yamuna cleanliness and conservation on October 18 as part of the campaign.
