Amritsar MC deploys sprinkling machines to tackle dust, smog

With the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Amritsar reaching the 350 mark, the Municipal Corporation began spraying of water with sprinkling machines to tackle the situation. On the directions of Municipal Commissioner Gulpreet Singh Aulakh, the MC deployed three spray machines to settle dust and smog. These machines were operated today around the railway station, bus stand, Golden Gate and Hall Gate area. MC Commissioner Aulakh said that these three machines will run continuously in the city.

Tackling air pollution

• Amritsar was listed along with Ludhiana and Jalandhar among the 'non-attainment cities' under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which means the holy city does not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
• MC received Rs 19 crore to improve air quality under NCAP and make city-specific action plan

Aulakh stated that dust and other particles spread in the air and create smog. With the help of these anti-smog machines, the MC will try to control pollution to some extent. He said that the air quality index of Amritsar city is quite high and steps are being taken to deal with it. He said that the health wing of the Municipal Corporation has issued guidelines for running these three machines in different areas of the city.

It may be mentioned that the city was listed, along with Ludhiana and Jalandhar among the non-attainment cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which means the holy city does not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The Amritsar Municipal Corporation received Rs 19 crore to improve air quality in the city under NCAP and make city-specific action plan. Initially, the MC planned to install air monitoring systems, air purifiers, water fountains at roundabouts and water sprinkling machines but fund was later diverted for recarpeting of roads. Three sprinkling machines were procured under the NCAP in 2023.

“Even after spending a huge amount under NCAP, the city witnessed no change. Even the air pollution is increasing day by day. The administration failed to implement any city-specific plan,” said SK Sharma, a local activist.