New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has made a significant move towards transforming the national capital into a cleaner, more developed, and less polluted city by providing special financial assistance exceeding Rs 3,000 crore to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), as stated by an official on Monday.

This initiative is aimed at bolstering road infrastructure, enhancing sanitation systems, upgrading municipal schools, and improving civic amenities throughout the city, according to the official announcement.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the comprehensive development of Delhi is reliant on robust and empowered local authorities, asserting that this financial backing showcases the government’s dedication to decentralized and effective governance. Special provisions have also been allocated under the Chief Minister’s Development Fund (CMDF).

She noted that sanitation services and the upkeep of roads narrower than 60 feet fall under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation. In line with this, proposals amounting to approximately Rs 1,330 crore have been drafted for road paving and development projects set for the financial year 2026–27.

These initiatives encompass the construction, repair, and reinforcement of nearly 1,000 kilometres of roads, a strategic effort expected to significantly reduce dust pollution, particularly during the heightened pollution periods in October and November post-monsoon, as indicated in the statement.

The Chief Minister has directed officials to ensure the timely execution of these projects, emphasizing that all major road improvement works should be finalized by September 30.

She urged for expedited administrative processes, thorough preparations, and complete transparency in the tendering procedure. The timely completion of these projects is anticipated to alleviate pollution for residents and enhance the capital's infrastructure, as per the statement.

Furthermore, to upgrade the city’s sanitation framework, the Delhi Government has sanctioned a long-term project estimated at around Rs 2,300 crore under a 10-year OPEX (Operational Expenditure) model.

As part of this initiative, 70 new mechanical road sweeping machines are set to be deployed, enhancing cleaning coverage. These machines will operate alongside existing ones to ensure effective dust and waste removal.

In addition, 1,000 electric litter pickers are being introduced to improve the efficiency of sanitation operations, making them more environmentally friendly and technologically advanced. The Chief Minister believes this initiative will provide a sustainable solution for pollution management.

In the realm of education, the Chief Minister has allocated an extra Rs 50 crore for upgrading MCD primary schools. These funds will be utilized to enhance school infrastructure, improve sanitation facilities, modernize classrooms, and foster a better learning atmosphere for students.

A separate allocation of Rs 50 crore has also been approved for the renovation and upgrading of community buildings under the Municipal Corporation.

The Chief Minister pointed out that approximately 298 community buildings, primarily situated in smaller colonies, serve as vital venues for economically disadvantaged groups for weddings and other social gatherings, underscoring the necessity for their enhancement.