New Delhi: Amid rising air pollution in Delhi, the pace of preparations to remove and control dust from roads has slowed. Of the 200 old truck-mounted anti-smog guns used by the Public Works Department (PWD), only around 40 have so far been readied for operation after inspection. As a result, the plan to accelerate the dust-control drive across the capital’s 1,400-km road network is being affected.
The department had decided to use the old machines for two months because of delays in arranging new anti-smog guns. The tender process for the new machines has been completed, but work to mount them on new truck chassis is still under way. For now, this has kept the department dependent on the old machines.
The PWD has formed two committees to inspect all 200 old machines and the vehicles carrying them. The committees include eight departmental officials. Instructions have been issued that no vehicle or anti-smog gun will be deployed on roads without a fitness certificate and technical inspection.
PWD Minister Pravesh Verma has directed officials to complete the inspections quickly and deploy the machines. He warned that negligence in inspection and deployment would not be tolerated. If irregularities are found, the engineer concerned may be suspended immediately.
Under the plan, each machine has been assigned a target of cleaning and controlling dust on at least 200 metres of road every day. This includes removing dust accumulated along roadsides, cleaning drains and road edges, and clearing debris. With pollution levels rising, the department now faces the challenge of completing inspections of the old machines and making the new machines available soon.
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