Are Mist Spray Systems the Solution to Air Pollution on Shanti Path?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 30 mist spray systems to be installed along Shanti Path.
- Implementation in two phases: 10 major roads first, then 14 additional roads.
- Increased deployment of Anti-Smog Guns to combat pollution.
- Comprehensive pollution control drive includes dust suppression and greening.
- Enhancements in mechanical road sweeping with new machines.
New Delhi, Oct 21 (NationPress) The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is set to implement a plan to install 30 mist spray systems along Shanti Path and Africa Avenue, as announced by Vice Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal on Tuesday, aimed at combating air pollution.
Chahal stated, “The NDMC aims to execute this initiative in two phases. The first phase will cover 10 major roads, while the second will extend to 14 additional roads,” assuring that the civic body is committed to taking vigorous actions against air pollution.
In the battle against air pollution, the Vice Chairperson highlighted that both personnel and equipment are active around the clock.
Chahal also revealed the usage of Anti-Smog Guns as part of the action plan to address the worsening air quality in Delhi, according to an official statement.
On Tuesday, the AQI for Delhi-NCR persisted in the “very poor” category, with an average AQI recorded at 346 at 5:30 AM, placing numerous areas in the red zone.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the NDMC has initiated a broad pollution control campaign focused on dust suppression, reducing smog, enhancing green spaces, and engaging the public, as stated in the official communication.
Among the significant measures taken by the NDMC to mitigate air pollution are mechanical road sweeping (MRS), deployment of anti-smog guns, and installation of mist spray systems.
Chahal mentioned that the NDMC operates 4 MRS machines to clean around 220–230 km of avenue roads daily across two shifts.
Additionally, five new CNG-operated MRS are being acquired to enhance road and lane cleaning, he indicated.
Procurement is also in progress for 4 battery-operated MRS for lane-by-lane cleaning and 4 small ride-on sweepers for footpaths and parking areas, he noted.
Chahal elaborated that eight mobile Anti-Smog Guns (ASG) are deployed daily, covering 320–340 km of NDMC thoroughfares.
Furthermore, 10 ASGs have been installed on private high-rise buildings and 3 ASGs on NDMC’s own structures.
Seven additional ASGs are being procured for further installation on NDMC properties; tenders have been invited.
Discussing the implementation of Mist Spray Systems, he mentioned that systems positioned at a height of 5 to 6 meters on electric poles have been introduced on a trial basis.
“Fifteen mist spray units have been set up along Lodhi Road to mitigate localized dust pollution. A total of 1,323 poles spanning 29.5 km of road length have been identified for system installation,” he stated.
He added that tree washing, footpath cleaning using pressure jet machines, and greening initiatives are also part of the NDMC's strategy to combat pollution.
“There are 22 markets within the NDMC area. The NDMC has commenced nighttime cleaning of footpaths in three markets, namely Connaught Place, Khan Market, and Sarojini Nagar,” he stated.
Chahal revealed that the NDMC has deployed three pressure jetting machines and one litter picker to maintain the footpaths in these markets.
The NDMC is also planning to extend footpath cleaning to all 22 markets in the upcoming year by acquiring 10 water sprinklers, 5 more pressure jetting machines, 9 more litter pickers, and 10 floor cleaning machines to reduce dust pollution in the NDMC region.