Civic body allocates Rs 20 lakh per zone to combat pollution

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has ramped up its initiatives to combat air pollution by allocating Rs 20 lakh per zone for enhanced air quality management across the city.

Will help strengthen machinery

• This funding, designated for all 12 zones, aims to strengthen machinery and manpower to mitigate dust pollution
• The funds will be used to operationalise sprinklers, hire drivers and ensure the efficient functioning of anti-smog guns within each zone’s jurisdiction

This funding, designated for all 12 zones, aims to strengthen machinery and manpower to mitigate dust pollution effectively.

According to MCD officials, the funds will be used to operationalise sprinklers, hire drivers and ensure the efficient functioning of anti-smog guns within each zone’s jurisdiction.

The corporation will also purchase dust suppressants for use in anti-smog guns and water sprinklers, while implementing strict regulations on construction and demolition waste management.

“Each zonal deputy commissioner (DC) is directed to oversee the collection of construction debris and enforce stringent dust control measures for ongoing construction activities,” a MCD spokesperson said. Daily inspections will be conducted to prevent violations related to construction waste and garbage burning, with designated teams monitoring compliance.

However, Raja Iqbal Singh, Leader of the Opposition in the MCD, sharply criticised the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for failing to adequately address air pollution. Singh argued that the lack of mechanical road sweeping machines has severely hampered cleanliness efforts in Delhi.

“Since the AAP came into power, not a single new mechanical road sweeping machine has been purchased,” Singh said. “When the BJP was in charge, we introduced 52 machines with Central Government support. Now, the streets are dirtier than ever,” he added.

He highlighted that the MC requires 112 mechanical road sweeping machines to effectively address air quality concerns. However, he pointed out that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has not made any progress in this regard.

“The Central Government allocated Rs 35 crore for tackling air pollution, but without a standing committee, the purchase of 18 machines is still pending,” he noted. “As a result, we are unable to utilise the old funds, and the next instalment from the central government is also stalled,” he added.

Criticising the AAP government’s claims about its budget for cleaning roads, Singh said, “They promised Rs 1,200 crore to combat air pollution, but that commitment remains only on paper. As a result of its inaction, the people of Delhi are left to breathe toxic air.”

He called for accountability, urging the AAP government and the Mayor to apologise to the citizens for their failures in controlling air pollution and suggested that they should resign from the corporation.