Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal on Friday issued an advisory to the Capital’s municipal corporations to optimise the use of mechanical road sweepers to combat air pollution in Delhi.
In a release issued by Raj Niwas, it was noted that pollution had multi-dimensional aspects and urban local bodies have an important role in tackling the menace.
At present, 45 mechanical road sweepers are being operated by the three corporations and the New Delhi Municipal Council. These have been specifically procured to combat rising air pollution in the Capital.
Mr. Baijal stated that one of the major contributors to air pollution in Delhi is particulate matter, produced through re-suspension of road dust caused by moving traffic. He said that one of the ways to remove particulate matter pollution was through mechanical sweeping.
“The Lieutenant-Governor advised all urban local bodies to initiate necessary action as per the available expert advice/third party audit report and ensure optimum utilisation of MRS [mechanical road sweepers] in Delhi,” the statement read.
“The urban local bodies were also advised to carry out scientific assessment of requirement of additional MRS [if any] in their jurisdiction to improve sanitation operations. Clean roads will lead to clean air in Delhi,” the statement added.