Delhi MCD anti-pollution plan: Civic body unveils plans to tackle yearly winter pollution this year

Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has announced a series of measures aimed at controlling dust and other local sources of pollution during the winter months this year. The civic body said it is increasing mechanical road sweeping, water sprinkling and anti-smog gun deployment while also stepping up action against construction dust, biomass burning and illegal dumping of construction and demolition waste. MCD Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma said the corporation is also focusing on road repairs, removal of accumulated silt and expansion of green cover as part of its pollution-control strategy.

MCD to increase mechanical road sweeping

Road dust remains one of the key areas being targeted by the civic body. At present, about 6,127 km of MCD roads are being manually swept by nearly 57,000 Safai Mitras. The corporation has 66 mechanical sweeping machines in operation. These machines together collect around 180 tonnes of dust every day, according to the MCD.

The civic body has proposed another 70 mechanical sweeping machines and has already floated a tender for 40 additional machines. It also plans to introduce 1,000 litter picker machines to improve cleaning on roads and public spaces. The MCD said its cleaning efforts are also linked to its Deep Cleaning Drive, which began on May 18. About 2,900 metric tonnes of silt have been removed under the drive so far.

167 water sprinklers, anti-smog guns deployed

The MCD is also relying on water-based dust suppression during the winter pollution season. A total of 167 water sprinklers have been deployed on roads, along with 28 mobile anti-smog guns. These machines are intended to suppress dust particles, particularly in areas where road and construction activity can add to the pollution load. Another 20 anti-smog guns have been placed at construction and demolition waste facilities, dumpsites and Waste-to-Energy plants. The corporation has also installed 15 anti-smog guns at its high-rise buildings. In addition, 12 more sprinklers and anti-smog guns have been procured.

MCD repairs roads and potholes

Road maintenance is another part of the civic body's winter pollution strategy. The MCD said it has taken up resurfacing and strengthening work on 1,202 km of roads this year. Between April and August, it also repaired 6,797 potholes. The focus on road conditions is significant because damaged roads and exposed surfaces can contribute to dust being lifted by passing traffic.

Pollution hotspots to face closer monitoring

The MCD's Winter Action Plan also includes enforcement against activities that can worsen air quality. Joint enforcement teams will monitor cases of biomass burning, construction and demolition dust, unauthorised use of fuel and illegal dumping of construction and demolition waste. The civic body will pay particular attention to 46 pollution hotspots identified by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). Nodal officers and monitoring teams have been assigned across Delhi's 11 revenue districts to keep track of these locations and pollution-related violations.

MCD expands green cover

The civic body's plan also includes increasing vegetation across the city. Between April and August, the MCD said it planted 4,00,282 plants. This included 1,26,866 trees, 2,69,882 shrubs and 3,534 bamboo plants. The corporation also said it has completed its target of developing 8,68,958 square metres of identified brown patches.

MCD says action will continue through winter

Satya Sharma said the corporation's approach would not be limited to short-term emergency measures once pollution levels rise. The MCD plans to continue work on road maintenance, dust suppression, cleaning, enforcement and green cover through the winter season. With Delhi's air quality typically deteriorating as winter sets in, the civic body's measures will be aimed largely at controlling local sources of pollution such as road dust, waste burning, construction activity and poorly maintained roads.

(Source: ANI)