Delhi Chief Minister Takes Direct Charge in Dust Pollution Battle
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has launched an aggressive campaign against dust pollution, directing all stakeholder departments to implement strict measures on the ground. In a significant move to tackle the capital's deteriorating air quality, the CM has ordered municipal officials to submit daily compliance reports and document their progress with before-and-after photographs.
Strict Directives and Accountability Measures
During a high-level meeting held last week, CM Rekha Gupta confronted MCD officers about delays in addressing dust-related complaints and issued stern warnings that could lead to suspensions for non-performance. More than 2,000 specialized teams have been constituted to enforce anti-pollution measures across the city, representing one of the most comprehensive responses to Delhi's persistent pollution crisis.
The Chief Minister has made it clear that financial constraints will not hinder pollution control efforts, assuring the Municipal Corporation of Delhi that necessary funds would be provided for mechanical sweeping machines, green waste disposal equipment, new dustbins, and sprinklers. Senior bureaucrats have been instructed to conduct personal field visits every single day to monitor cleanliness and waste management operations.
Multi-Departmental Coordination for Comprehensive Solution
The pollution control strategy involves coordinated efforts across multiple agencies. Deputy Commissioners have been specifically tasked with ensuring regular water sprinkling in their respective areas to suppress dust particles. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) have been directed to provide land for installing larger-capacity waste compactors throughout Delhi.
In a separate development, the Public Works Department (PWD) and other road maintenance agencies have been asked to accelerate "wall-to-wall" road construction projects. This initiative aims to eliminate dust accumulation along road edges, which constitutes a significant source of particulate matter pollution. Officials have also received instructions to immediately identify and repair potholes on priority basis to further reduce dust generation.
The CM acknowledged that while pollution cannot be eliminated overnight, consistent implementation of strict measures can significantly control the problem. Senior MCD officials have been directed to form online groups for quicker response to public complaints, ensuring that citizen grievances about dust pollution receive immediate attention.
