Delhi War on Smog: MCD Deploys Anti-Smog Guns and High-Tech Surveillance
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) launches massive deep cleaning, anti-smog guns, and strict enforcement to curb air pollution.
As the battle against deteriorating air quality intensifies in the national capital, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has launched a comprehensive offensive. By intensifying MCD dust mitigation measures, the civic body is focusing on deep cleaning, strict enforcement, and the deployment of advanced technology to curb the pollutants choking the city.
Deep Cleaning and Strategic Waste Management
To tackle the root cause of particulate matter, the MCD has initiated deep cleaning operations across identified dust-prone roads in all 12 zones of the city. Recognizing that construction and demolition (C&D) waste is a major contributor to air pollution, the Corporation has designated specific dumping sites across all 250 wards. This move is designed to eliminate illegal dumping and allow for more streamlined monitoring.
To manage these sites, a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been implemented. The guidelines include:
- Wind-Breaking Walls: Installation of continuous walls at least three metres higher than the material heaps to prevent dust from spreading.
- Moisture Control: Regular wetting of dumped materials, especially stone aggregates, or keeping them completely covered.
- Advanced Sprinkling: The use of specialized fine-nozzle water sprinkling systems across the sites.
- Secure Transport: Ensuring all vehicles transporting C&D waste are fully covered to prevent emissions during transit.
High-Tech Monitoring and Surveillance
The MCD is leaving nothing to chance, integrating technology into its pollution control strategy. A network of 360-degree PTZ cameras has been installed at 125 sites. These cameras provide a live, round-the-clock feed directly to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), ensuring that any violations are spotted in real-time.
Furthermore, the civic body is working to bring all C&D activities under the MALBA Portal, following directions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). This will strengthen the monitoring process and ensure that dust control norms are strictly followed by contractors and builders.
The Arsenal: Anti-Smog Guns and Water Sprinklers
In a bid to physically suppress dust, the MCD has deployed a massive fleet of machinery. Depending on the stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the following equipment is being utilized:
- 167 Water Sprinklers: Deployed on various roads to settle dust.
- 40 Mobile Anti-Smog Guns (ASGs): Moving across the city to target pollution hotspots.
- Fixed Anti-Smog Guns: 20 ASGs have been stationed at C&D processing plants, dumpsites, and Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facilities, while another 20 have been installed at MCD high-rise buildings.
Strict Enforcement and Joint Task Forces
To ensure that rules are not just on paper, the MCD has constituted Joint Enforcement Teams. These teams are tasked with cracking down on:
- Biomass burning.
- Dust pollution from construction sites.
- The use of unapproved fuels.
- Illegal dumping of garbage and C&D waste.
To support these field operations, an interim budget of ₹5 lakh has been released for each zone to deploy vehicles for DPCC enforcement teams. Additionally, vehicles originally provided to special magistrates for litter-picker operations are being repurposed for enforcement and regular inspections.
"Air pollution requires sustained action, strict enforcement and close monitoring at every level," stated MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar.
Commissioner Khirwar emphasized that the focus remains on achieving tangible and sustainable improvements in Delhi's air quality through coordinated efforts and rigorous field inspections by zonal officers.