Amid rising pollution levels in the capital and the Supreme Court’s strict directions on controlling air quality, the Delhi government is preparing a detailed plan to expand the use of mist-spray technology, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Thursday (Dec 05).
Gupta reviewed the mist sprayers installed at ITO and said work is underway to install 305 additional units across nine major pollution hotspots. She noted that trials conducted in New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) areas have shown positive results.
“We are formulating a comprehensive plan to cover major roads in Delhi with mist-spraying machines. The 35 sprayers already installed at ITO are performing well,” she told reporters.
According to a CMO statement, mist spray systems are designed to reduce dust and airborne pollutants. Mounted on electric poles, these systems use high-pressure pumps and nozzles to convert treated water into fine mist, which helps trap suspended particles.
Gupta said the government is setting up a high-level committee comprising experts from various fields to provide guidance on pollution-control measures. Announced on Wednesday, the panel will include senior government officials, environmental specialists, and experts from IITs, and will be given special powers by the government.
Departments such as PWD, DSIIDC and DDA have been instructed to fill potholes, improve road surfaces, plant greenery on medians and traffic islands, and take other steps to reduce dust and pollution.
The chief minister urged citizens to report potholes through the Delhi government portal. She also appealed to resident welfare associations (RWAs) to provide electric heaters to security guards to discourage biomass burning during winter.
Gupta further encouraged the public to use the MCD 311 app to report issues such as illegal waste dumping, damaged roads, faulty street lights, encroachments and sanitation concerns. The app is being strengthened as the central platform for civic complaints, and agencies have been directed to resolve all grievances within 72 hours, the statement said.
