New Delhi, Oct. 21 -- Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed officials to intensify cleanliness drives across the national capital ahead of Diwali and other festivals, ordering night-time cleaning in residential colonies and major markets and warning that negligence in maintaining cleanliness will not be tolerated.

According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), chairing a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat on Wednesday, Gupta instructed the concerned departments and agencies to immediately address shortcomings in the cleanliness system, remove garbage dumps and ensure regular cleaning across the city.

The meeting was attended by Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, Delhi Mayor Parvesh Wahi, representatives of the Mun...