NDMC Clears Jantar Mantar After Exam Scandal Protests Topple Education Minister

Restoration of the Capital’s Political Hub

Municipal workers have stripped slogans and removed posters from the Jantar Mantar area in New Delhi following the conclusion of a high-profile 36-day demonstration. The site, which served as the epicenter for protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), saw major activity on July 26, 2026, as New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) teams painted over graffiti and cleared waste accumulated during the unrest.

The protest movement intensified over several weeks, drawing thousands of participants, primarily students, to demand accountability for systemic failures in national examinations. The agitation specifically targeted the NEET question paper leaks, a crisis that ultimately led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. At its peak, the crowd surged beyond the designated protest zone, occupying Tolstoy Road and stretching toward Sansad Marg and Janpath Road.

Logistics of the Cleanup Operation

NDMC Vice-Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal confirmed that the beautification and sanitation effort began on the night of July 25. The operation mobilized more than 500 personnel from various branches, including the Civil Engineering, Health and Sanitation, and Horticulture departments. Officials reported the removal of 60 metric tonnes of waste from the vicinity.

The recovery effort utilized a significant array of municipal machinery to restore the district to its original state:

• Eight auto-tippers and two heavy trucks for refuse transport.
• One earthmover for clearing heavy debris.
• Three high-pressure jetting machines for cleaning roadways and sidewalks.
• A rotating shift of 110 sanitation workers across night and morning schedules.

Restoring Public Infrastructure

Beyond simple trash removal, the NDMC focused on the physical repair of public assets damaged or worn during the month-long occupation. Crews targeted green belts, central verges, and footpaths for immediate restoration. Mr. Chahal noted that the goal was to return Jantar Mantar, Jai Singh Road, and the edges of Connaught Place to pristine condition immediately after the CJP called off its campaign. This intensive drive focused on washing and repairing infrastructure on a war footing to resume normal traffic flow and public access in the heart of the capital.

Source: The Hindu — Home