Delhi Minister Demands Visible Results in Pollution Control Efforts from Municipal Corporation

Ashish Sood also reviewed the situation at Ghazipur, Bhalswa and Okhla dumping sites.

New Delhi:

Amid Delhi's air quality concerns, Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood on Wednesday criticized the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for the lack of "visible change" in pollution reduction efforts across the city.

During a high-level review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, Sood instructed civic officials to strengthen the city's anti-pollution and cleanliness initiatives, emphasizing that equipment designated for dust and waste control must demonstrate measurable results.

"Our goal is to make Delhi not only clean but also green and sustainable. All departments must ensure accountability at every level," Sood stated during the review.

MCD officials reported that approximately 14,000 tonnes of waste are collected in Delhi daily. The minister requested faster waste segregation at source and more efficient utilization of modern equipment including smog guns, sprinklers, and mechanical road sweepers to manage dust pollution. He further instructed that staff should work double shifts if necessary to keep pollution levels in check.

Sood proposed redesigning routes for cleaning and sprinkling vehicles to cover more dust-prone areas and ensure "real, on-ground improvement." He also mandated that GPS tracking systems in all such vehicles be activated or repaired for real-time monitoring of pollution control operations.

With landfill fires emerging as a significant source of toxic emissions, Sood examined the conditions at Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla sites. Officials indicated that approximately 20,000-25,000 tonnes of waste undergo bio-mining daily, with peak levels reaching 30,000 tonnes per day in recent months.

The minister ordered strict fire-prevention measures at dump sites, noting that three major fires at Ghazipur last year revealed serious management deficiencies. He will inspect the Ghazipur site on Monday and Bhalswa on Thursday to assess progress.

Officials informed him that no new waste is being deposited at Okhla, and existing measures have significantly reduced landfill fires.

Sood also met with representatives of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to explore clean-energy solutions for vehicular pollution, one of Delhi's largest emission sources.

He explained that the government's pollution strategy is built on "Technology, Transparency and Public Participation," adding that Delhi must transition toward scientific waste management and stricter monitoring.

"Fire incidents at dump sites and open waste burning are now being handled through scientific methods," Sood concluded.