Delhi installs 13 mist sprayers to curb air pollution at hotspots

Delhi’s Environment Minister Sirsa stated that agencies will now be directly responsible for ensuring dust-suppression measures are visibly working on the ground. “Delhi's fight against air pollution demands not just planning but daily execution,” he said.

Mist sprayers and anti-smog guns are to be installed at high-risk regions, helping in mitigating harmful particles such as PM2.5 and PM10, which are generally found in high-traffic and construction zones. The spray of water by mist jets at high pressure helps dust particles to settle down. Sirsa explained that electric poles on central road dividers are ideal for installing the sprayers without building extra infrastructure. Earlier pilot tests by the Delhi Development Authority and New Delhi Municipal Council showed positive results.

The pollution control agencies have stressed technical standards for misting and ordered cleaning of roads and intersections with the help of mechanical sweepers. Now, civic agencies will have to appoint pollution control officers to check daily progress, and the environment department will have the authority to inspect work done by the civic body.

This initiative is expected to help in curbing the air pollution in the national capital and protect the public health, especially children and senior citizens. Efforts are being made to overcome this core problem with the help of cross-departments.