Malick Asghar Hashmi | Gurugram (Haryana)

Muslim volunteers who launched a unique cleanliness campaign ahead of Eid al-Adha prayers in Gurugram were in for a surprise when they reached the prayer ground near the HAD City Center Metro Station. Waiting for them there was one of the city’s most well-known officials — RS Batth, the Divisional Town Planner (Enforcement), popularly referred to as Gurugram’s “Bulldozer Man” for his relentless anti-encroachment drives.

The volunteers had gathered to clean the large open ground earmarked for congregational prayers due to the shortage of mosques in the rapidly expanding Millennium City. To their surprise, Batth had arrived with his team to personally participate in the campaign.

Batth, who also serves as the Nodal Officer of the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP), is known for his tough administrative style. Yet his presence at the venue reflected a different side of governance — one rooted in public participation and civic responsibility.

Gurugram has a sizeable Muslim population comprising migrant workers, professionals and corporate employees. Despite this, the city has only a limited number of mosques. In the past, worshippers often offered namaz on roads, pavements and in public parks.

Six years ago, after the government prohibited prayers in public spaces, urban authorities and Muslim representatives worked out a practical arrangement. A portion of a 40-acre government ground near the city’s last Metro station was officially designated for Friday prayers and Eid congregations. Since then, thousands of worshippers have been peacefully offering prayers there every week and on major Islamic occasions.

Over time, however, the site began turning into a dumping ground. The heavy footfall during Friday and Eid prayers, coupled with the absence of a proper waste disposal system, led to the accumulation of garbage and litter.

Concerned about the deteriorating condition of the ground, a group of Muslim residents recently decided to take matters into their own hands. They approached the HSVP’s DTP Enforcement Department and sought official support for a cleanliness campaign.

While the department agreed to cooperate, Batth’s personal appearance at the venue came as a pleasant surprise for the volunteers.

He assured the participants that the administration stood firmly behind the initiative and deputed senior official Ram Arya to coordinate the campaign with community volunteers.

Speaking exclusively to Awaz – The Voice, RS Batth said, “Keeping an international-standard city like Gurugram clean and free from encroachments is not solely the administration’s responsibility. It is equally the moral duty of every citizen. Whenever people voluntarily step forward for the betterment of the city, our department fully supports such initiatives.”

Batth said he did not want to remain confined to his office once the cleanliness drive was planned. Instead, he personally joined officials and worshippers at the ground, collecting litter alongside them.

Muslim volunteers clicking selfies with RS Batth

“When a responsible officer personally participates in fieldwork, it strengthens public trust in the administration,” he remarked.

He pointed out that every Friday and during Eid gatherings, thousands of worshippers assemble at the site, attracting food vendors selling biryani, snacks and beverages. In the absence of proper waste management, the area gradually became littered with disposable plates, cups and plastic waste.

During the drive, officials issued strict warnings to vendors against encroaching on government land. Dustbins are now being installed across the ground, and vendors have been directed to dispose of waste properly instead of littering the area.

Batth said the administration was equally committed to maintaining cleanliness around temples, gurdwaras and other religious sites in the city. He added that strict action was also being taken against illegal meat and poultry shops operating near temples, including cancellation of licences in cases of violation.

The senior officer later shared a video of the cleanliness campaign on his official social media account. The post quickly went viral and drew widespread appreciation online.

In the post, Batth wrote:

“The Muslim community took the initiative to clean a large ground in Sector 29 every Friday after prayers and sought support from the HSVP department. JE Rampal Ji coordinated the effort, and I also joined to encourage the campaign. Thousands of people agreed that there should be no encroachments. Gurugram has become a unique example where enforcement, public participation and dialogue together have created a successful model. Love your city and make it beautiful.”

The video triggered a flood of reactions on social media, most of them praising both the officer’s approach and the spirit of communal harmony reflected in the campaign.

One user, Shweta Singh, commented, “Sir, I truly admire your style of working. Please stay in Gurgaon forever.”

Another user, Waqar, wrote, “Absolutely right. If we want to change the country, we must first change ourselves and take responsibility for our surroundings.”

READ MORE: Hajj 2026: When pilgrims braved disease, heat, and bandits' attacks for faith

Mohammed Saqib commented, "A salute is definitely in order today, Sir." Similarly, Sahir described him as an "honest officer." However, some individuals also drew attention to other issues plaguing the city. Raising a pertinent social question, a user named Adil wrote, "Why is it always the poor who are blamed for disrupting the system?" Meanwhile, other users demanded the removal of illegal encroachments by shopkeepers in Delhi's Swaroop Nagar and the business hub in Sector 43, Gurugram.