Delhi's Ambitious Plan: 305 Mist Sprayers Being Installed at 9 Pollution Hotspots to Combat Air Pollution Crisis

Mist technology utilizes water sprays primarily to reduce dust pollution in urban areas. (File)

New Delhi:

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Thursday that the Delhi government is developing a comprehensive plan to implement mist spray technology across the capital to address the growing air pollution crisis. During her inspection of mist sprayers at ITO, Gupta confirmed that installations are in progress for 305 mist sprayers across nine identified pollution hotspots throughout Delhi.

According to Gupta, mist technology represents an effective approach to combating pollution. She noted that initial trials conducted in New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) areas have demonstrated encouraging outcomes.

"Our comprehensive plan aims to equip all Delhi roads with mist spray machines. The 35 mist sprayers currently installed on poles at ITO are already showing promising results," the Chief Minister stated following her inspection tour.

The mist technology functions by deploying water sprays that specifically target and reduce dust pollution in the urban environment.

Gupta further revealed that a high-level advisory committee comprising experts from various disciplines is being established to counsel the Delhi government on pollution mitigation strategies.

Officials indicated that this committee, announced on Wednesday, will include senior representatives from numerous government departments alongside experts from IITs and environmental science specialists. The government intends to grant special authority to this committee to facilitate effective action.

The Chief Minister stated that multiple departments including PWD, DSIIDC, and DDA have received instructions to repair potholes, resurface roads, plant vegetation on road dividers and traffic islands, and implement additional pollution reduction measures.

Gupta encouraged citizens to report road potholes through the Delhi government's online portal.

She also suggested that resident welfare associations (RWAs) should provide electric heaters to security personnel in residential complexes to prevent biomass burning during winter months, which significantly contributes to seasonal air pollution.