Councillors Criticize MCD’s Dust Control Measures in Delhi

Several councillors in New Delhi raised significant concerns during a meeting on October 25, 2023, regarding what they termed “inadequate efforts” by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to control dust pollution in the city. Despite the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III), councillors highlighted ongoing issues such as unauthorized construction, illegal dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, and the burning of leaves at cremation grounds.

Councillors from various parties expressed frustration over the perceived neglect of outlying areas in dust control initiatives, particularly the lack of water sprinkling and mechanical road sweepers in these regions. During the meeting, standing committee chairperson Satya Sharma acknowledged the visibility of potholes across the city and noted that dust accumulation remained a major problem, as dust was “hardly being lifted” after road cleaning efforts.

Officials from the MCD, however, insisted that all measures outlined in the winter action plan were being executed properly. They announced plans to introduce night sweeping on major roads, including the Ring Road, and emphasized efforts to collect garbage from 487 locations during nighttime operations.

Councillor Parveen Kumar from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) pointed out that if the Lieutenant Governor acknowledges that 65% of pollution in Delhi is due to dust, then immediate action is necessary. He criticized the lack of transparency regarding air quality index (AQI) levels, suggesting that crucial figures were being concealed while pollution levels reached alarming heights.

Concerns were echoed by Jagmohan Mehlawat, a councillor from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who claimed that several ready-mix concrete plants were operating illegally in the outskirts of the city. Meanwhile, Mohini Jeenwal, another AAP councillor from Sundar Nagri, lamented the absence of mechanical sweepers and sprinklers in her ward, noting that local trees were coated with dust. She criticized the MCD for failing to implement the approved proposal aimed at reducing wood usage at cremation grounds in favor of environmentally friendly alternatives like CNG or cow dung logs.

Councillor Daulat from Sultanpuri raised alarms about rampant illegal construction in his area. In a similar vein, Pankaj Luthra, a BJP councillor from Jhilmil, stated that the MCD lacked reliable data regarding fines collected and actions taken against violators of pollution regulations.

During the session, S S Tanwar, the deputy standing committee chairman, requested detailed responses to 25 queries related to dust control measures. These included inquiries about the number of operational mechanical road sweepers, monitoring of construction sites, and the existence of a dust-control audit mechanism.

In response to the councillors’ concerns, Sharma directed all zonal deputy commissioners to enhance coordination with various departments. She emphasized the importance of stopping unauthorized construction immediately and instructed zonal engineers to be vigilant regarding activities in their respective areas. Additionally, she called on horticulture staff to prevent leaf burning and ensure effective sprinkling in public parks.

Sharma further requested that councillors compile lists of potholes for repair, while also mandating that daily reports, including photo logs and kilometer readings for each machine, be submitted to her office for real-time monitoring.

The committee approved a proposal to acquire 14 new mechanical road-sweeping machines, which are expected to be delivered within two months. An official also noted that anti-smog guns had been installed at 20 MCD plants, and between April and October, a total of 379 challans were issued for instances of open burning.

As the city grapples with ongoing pollution challenges, the MCD faces increasing pressure from councillors and citizens alike to implement effective and equitable dust control measures.