- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Mon, 16 Feb 2026 08:20 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a major push to make the national capital cleaner, more developed and pollution-free, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has approved special financial assistance worth several thousand crore rupees for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
The funds, sanctioned under the Chief Minister’s Development Fund (CMDF), aim to strengthen road infrastructure, sanitation systems, municipal schools and other civic facilities across the city.
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According to the Chief Minister, sanitation services and the maintenance of roads less than 60 feet wide fall under the MCD’s jurisdiction. For the financial year 2026-27, proposals worth approximately Rs 1,330 crore have been prepared for road paving and development works. The projects include the construction, repair and strengthening of nearly 1,000 kilometres of roads.
Officials said the move is expected to significantly reduce dust pollution, particularly during the post-monsoon months of October and November when pollution levels typically spike in Delhi.
The CM has directed officials to complete all major road improvement works by September 30, 2026. She emphasised expediting administrative approvals, making preparations and ensuring full transparency in the tendering process. Timely completion, she said, would provide relief from pollution and enhance the capital’s infrastructure.
To modernise sanitation systems, the Delhi government has also approved a long-term project worth around Rs 2,300 crore under a 10-year Operational Expenditure (OPEX) model. As part of the initiative, 70 additional mechanical road sweeping machines will be deployed to improve cleaning coverage. These will function alongside existing machines to ensure more effective dust and waste removal.
Additionally, 1,000 electric litter pickers will be introduced to make sanitation operations more efficient and environmentally sustainable. The Chief Minister described the initiative as a long-term solution for pollution control in the capital.
In the education sector, an additional Rs 50 crore has been allocated for upgrading MCD primary schools. The funds will be used to strengthen infrastructure, improve sanitation facilities, modernise classrooms and create a better learning environment.
Another Rs 50 crore has been sanctioned for the repair and upgradation of nearly 298 community buildings managed by the MCD. Most of these facilities, located in smaller colonies, are widely used by economically weaker sections for social functions such as weddings.