The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has initiated a comprehensive Winter Action Plan aimed at reducing pollution levels, as announced by Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma. The plan includes the manual cleaning of approximately 6,127 kilometres of MCD roads. To facilitate this, nearly 57,000 Safai Mitras are actively engaged in sweeping these roadways. The MCD has intensified its efforts to manage road cleanliness and maintenance in anticipation of the winter months.

As part of their ongoing road improvement initiatives, MCD has undertaken the resurfacing and reinforcement of 1,202 kilometres of roads this year. In addition, between April and August, the authority successfully repaired 6,797 potholes, contributing to better road conditions. The Deep Cleaning Drive, launched on May 18, has resulted in the removal of approximately 2,900 metric tonnes of silt, further enhancing the cleanliness of public spaces.

To bolster these efforts, the MCD currently operates 66 mechanical street sweepers that collect about 180 tonnes of dust daily. The corporation has expanded its resources by proposing an additional 70 mechanical sweepers, tendering for 40 new machines and planning the utilisation of 1,000 litter picker machines for more efficient waste management.

Deployment of Water Sprinklers and Anti-Smog Guns

In its commitment to curb pollution, MCD has deployed 167 water sprinklers along roads and installed 28 mobile anti-smog guns. An additional 20 anti-smog guns have been designated for construction and demolition (C&D) facilities, waste dumps, and Waste-to-Energy plants, while 15 units are positioned at MCD high-rise buildings. The authority has acquired 12 more sprinklers and anti-smog guns to enhance its anti-pollution measures further.

The action plan includes the establishment of joint enforcement teams tasked with monitoring various pollution sources. These teams will scrutinise biomass burning, dust from construction and demolition activities, unauthorised fuel usage, and illegal dumping of C&D waste. The MCD is focusing its resources on monitoring 46 pollution hotspots identified by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) across 11 revenue districts, overseen by designated nodal officers.

As part of its strategy, MCD aims to combine emergency measures with consistent, proactive actions throughout the winter months. Sharma emphasised the importance of maintaining road cleanliness, controlling dust, and expanding green areas as part of ongoing efforts to combat pollution.

Green Initiatives and Planting Efforts

The MCD has augmented its green cover initiatives, successfully planting 4,00,282 plants within the period from April to August. This total includes 1,26,866 trees, 2,69,882 shrubs, and 3,534 bamboo plants. The corporation has also met its target for developing 8,68,958 square metres of specified brown patches, showcasing its commitment to enhancing the urban environment.

In summary, the MCD’s Winter Action Plan encompasses a multifaceted approach to reduce pollution levels through enhanced road maintenance, active cleaning strategies, and the promotion of green spaces. The authority’s collective efforts reflect the urgency of addressing air quality issues, especially during the winter season, when pollution levels are typically at their peak.

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