Delhi govt to install mist spray at 1,000 streetlights to curb dust pollution

New Delhi, Mar 2 (PTI) In a bid to combat air pollution, the Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi government plans to install water mist spraying systems on 1,000 streetlights across the capital, minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said on Thursday.

In the past year, similar projects have been taken up in Narela, Anand Vihar, ITO and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) areas. Now, the PWD plans to expand the project, installing mist sprinklers on 1,000 streetlights citywide, the PWD minister said in a statement detailing the department's achievements during one year of BJP rule in the capital.

"Dust is one of the major factors of air pollution, and to control it several steps are being taken. So far, 305 mist spray systems have been installed on PWD roads over the past year. Now, we plan to install the systems on 1,000 additional streetlights," Singh said.

The existing systems, which spray a mist of RO water, have a capacity of 2,000 litres per hour. The misting systems mostly operate in two shifts 6 am to 2 pm and 2 pm to 10 pm.

Further, plantation is underway at 47 roundabouts, with the PWD also looking to increase green cover along roads and central verges, he added.

"The PWD has undertaken extensive greening and beautification work at 47 major roundabouts in the city to improve the quality and aesthetics of urban transport infrastructure. Environment-friendly green cover has been developed at each roundabout to create a pleasant and sustainable landscape," the statement said.

At these, roundabouts, native plants and shrubs suitable to the local climate and soil conditions have been selected, it said, highlighting that green cover plays a key role in curbing road dust and pollution.

The PWD is appointing specialised horticulture vendors in three zones of Delhi to facilitate greening drives on roadsides and dividers, officials said. Among other measures, the PWD has also approached companies like Indian Oil Corporation, DIAL, DLF, Godrej under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities to adopt and maintain road stretches and flyovers, the statement said.

Further, to ensure prompt and transparent redressal of citizens' complaints, the PWD Service App has been developed for reporting complaints related to roads, footpaths, streetlights, and other infrastructure, it added. PTI SSM SSM ARB ARB