Delhi Launches Most Aggressive Anti-Pollution Campaign Ever: Mist Sprayers and Strict Enforcement Measures

Rekha Gupta announced that installation of 305 mist sprayers is in progress at nine pollution hotspots across Delhi.

New Delhi:

The Delhi government launched its most rigorous anti-pollution campaign to date on Thursday, implementing mist spray technology, strengthening enforcement measures, and warning officials of severe consequences for negligence.

This initiative follows a high-level meeting attended by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and the Chief Minister to address the pollution crisis.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirmed that work has begun on installing 305 mist sprayers at nine identified pollution hotspots throughout the city.

Senior officials from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and other departments faced scrutiny as both the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister demanded coordinated field action with zero tolerance for any negligence.

All agencies received instructions to immediately enhance dust suppression efforts, remove waste accumulations, and prevent illegal dumping – persistent problem areas that regularly exacerbate winter pollution levels.

The DDA has been instructed to clear debris from vacant plots and prevent future dumping, while the MCD must conduct a "comprehensive, citywide cleanliness and anti-dust campaign" across all zones. Road-cleaning systems, frequently criticized for inconsistent performance and limited coverage, were also highlighted during the meeting.

Gupta further mandated that District Magistrates personally supervise all pollution-control initiatives and may include negative remarks in the Annual Confidential Reports (ACR) of any negligent officers. A newly formed high-level review committee, led by the Chief Secretary, will perform daily inspections and issue mandatory directives to all agencies.

The Chief Minister cautioned that even government departments would face fines for violating pollution regulations, and First Information Reports (FIR) would be filed against those responsible for unauthorized road excavations or failure to properly restore dug-up areas.

Earlier that day, Gupta inspected mist sprayers installed at ITO.

Mist sprayers represent an effective solution to combat pollution, Gupta stated, noting that trials in certain New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) areas have demonstrated encouraging results.

Mist spray technology is specifically engineered to control dust and airborne contaminants. The system, mounted on electricity poles, features high-pressure pumps and nozzles that convert treated water into a fine mist that captures suspended pollutant particles, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's office.

However, experience from previous winter seasons has shown that such localized interventions often lose momentum without consistent oversight.

To broaden public participation, the government has encouraged residents to use the updated MCD-311 app to report dust, potholes, waste dumping, and other concerns. Departments have been instructed to address citizen complaints within 72 hours – a deadline that could significantly improve conditions if properly implemented, though historical results have been inconsistent.

Emphasizing that "no agency, government or private, will be exempt," Gupta stated that the focus is now on sustainable solutions rather than temporary measures.

As Delhi enters another severe pollution season, the effectiveness of the city's latest high-level initiative will depend on whether it can produce measurable, visible improvements rather than becoming just another seasonal enforcement effort that diminishes over time.