MCD’s proactive steps to combat air, dust pollution

Invoking stage III of the pollution control plan, deploying anti-smog guns, and re-launching the ‘Red light on, Gaadi off’ campaign are among the measures taken by the Delhi government and other agencies with the city’s air quality entering the ‘severe’ category, officials said.
MCD has established 517 surveillance teams comprising 1119 officers as part of the Winter Action Plan (WAP). Their primary task is to monitor and prevent open burning unauthorised disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, inspect C&D waste sites, and address dust-related issues on roads within their jurisdiction. The details are given below.
For the period from November 2, 2023, to November 3, 2023, the surveillance teams issued the following penalties:
50 challans were issued for open burning, with a total imposed amount of Rs. 25,000. However, no funds have been collected as of yet.
40 challans were issued for violations related to construction and demolition (C&D) waste, amounting to Rs. 8.9 lakhs in penalties. Of this amount, Rs. 0.7 lakh has been recovered.
In the month of October, a total of 163 violations were recorded at C&D sites, resulting in a cumulative fine of 34 lakh rupees being imposed through the issuance of challans.
The PWD has furnished 60 Anti-Smog Guns (ASGs) to support the MCD in addressing dust pollution in specific hotspot areas. The allocation of Anti-Smog Guns to these hotspot areas is as follows:
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has allocated Rs 20 lakh per zone for taking measures to combat air pollution in the city, officials said.
An MCD official said that the agency will purchase dust suppressants that will be sprayed using anti-smog guns and water sprinklers at least every alternate day during non-peak hours. As part of its efforts, the MCD is focusing on the deployment of machinery and manpower for clearing garbage.