Delhi authorities removed 116.6 metric tonnes (t) of waste from ghats along the Yamuna in a single day, the Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh announced after a large scale cleanliness drive. The operation covered 28 major ghats and extended to riverbanks, access roads and adjoining public spaces. The Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also participated in the campaign, which aimed to restore the environmental and cultural dignity of the river. The drive was coordinated by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the Public Works Department, the Delhi Jal Board, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Revenue department, with support from Delhi Police, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board and the Health department. Officials reported that the collected material was segregated and processed through designated channels in accordance with environmental norms. General waste and construction and demolition debris were routed to authorised facilities while pooja waste and damaged idols were handled as per regulations. Green waste including water hyacinth was transported to scientific processing sites and the government deployed specialised equipment to expedite removal. Trash skimmers and weed harvesters worked alongside earthmoving machinery, horticulture vehicles and garbage collection vans, while 28 boats with trained operators were used for river operations. The operation also made use of PWD maintenance vans and safety equipment to ensure orderly collection and transport. Officials said the campaign was not a one day exercise but part of a sustained effort requiring continued public participation and behavioural change. Approximately 15,000 volunteers from non governmental organisations, resident welfare associations, social organisations and student groups took part and awareness activities were carried out to discourage dumping into the river. Authorities indicated that the initiative demonstrated the potential for citizens and government agencies to collaborate on long term river restoration. Officials added that follow up actions would be tracked and reported.