The Public Works Department (PWD) has established two committees tasked with inspecting 200 truck-mounted anti-smog guns as air quality deteriorates in Delhi. This initiative comes in response to directives from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to enhance monitoring efforts ahead of the winter season. The committees will consist of eight PWD officials who will evaluate the operational status of the anti-smog guns.

According to the order, no vehicle equipped with an anti-smog gun will be allowed to be installed, operated, or deployed without prior certification of its fitness by the newly formed committees. The committees are responsible for conducting field-level inspections in accordance with the tender’s terms and conditions, ensuring that the equipment meets the necessary standards within their designated jurisdictions.

The PWD has mandated that each anti-smog gun undergo a physical inspection and functional verification before deployment. This step is crucial to ensure that the equipment is in proper working order as the department prepares to intensify its pollution control measures.

Operational Plans for Anti-Smog Guns

Officials from the PWD have outlined a comprehensive plan to launch a special drive aimed at intensive cleaning and dust control across the department’s extensive 1,400-km road network. Each of the 200 anti-smog guns will be assigned the task of cleaning a minimum of 200 metres of road daily. This initiative is part of a broader effort to mitigate dust pollution in the capital.

Activities included in this plan involve the removal of dust from road surfaces, cleaning of kerb channels and bell mouths, and the removal of debris. Additionally, the PWD will coordinate with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to ensure a unified approach to dust control. The anti-smog guns are designed to spray fine water droplets, which help settle dust and other airborne particles, thereby improving air quality.

The anti-smog guns are mounted on vehicles equipped with water tanks, enabling them to spray water up to a height of 50 metres. This capability is particularly effective in addressing particulate matter, including PM2.5 particles, which pose significant health risks to the population.

Inspection Protocols and Responsibilities

The committees will oversee inspections across various PWD circles, including Shahdara, East, North-East, Project, South, South-East, and South-West. Each circle will be responsible for ensuring that the anti-smog guns are functional and ready for deployment. The PWD has instructed executive engineers in all road maintenance divisions to organise field inspections promptly.

These engineers are expected to coordinate closely with the inspection committees and assist in verifying the operational status of the anti-smog guns within their respective areas. The inspections aim to ensure that all 200 anti-smog guns are adequately prepared for deployment as the PWD escalates its road cleaning and dust-control initiatives across Delhi.

As the winter season approaches, the PWD’s proactive measures are intended to enhance air quality in the national capital. By ensuring that the anti-smog guns are fully operational and effectively utilised, the department aims to contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for residents.

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