For a ‘clean, safe, radiant festival’, Delhi CM issues guidelines to govt departments ahead of Diwali

“Diwali is a festival of light, splendor, and joy. It is not just about lamps but also a symbol of cleanliness, discipline, and collective cooperation. All departments have been asked to work together to ensure citizens enjoy a safe and pleasant Diwali,” she said.

Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma has instructed all local bodies, including the Electricity Department, and the Public Works Department (PWD), to ensure that streetlights are fully functional across roads, markets, colonies, religious sites, and public areas. “Streetlights, which are not working, must be fixed immediately so that the entire city is well-lit during the festival,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police (Traffic Wing) has been directed to deploy additional personnel in markets and major roads during the festival and implement an effective traffic plan to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and control crowds in busy areas.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the New Delhi Municipal Council have been tasked to enhance cleanliness measures, by ensuring timely waste disposal and deploying additional cleaning staff as required, with proper management and allocation of space for street vendors.

“All departments have also been asked to submit progress reports to the Secretary of Urban Development,” the official added.