Govt launches mist spray system at ITO to curb rising air pollution

Intensifying its campaign against air pollution, the Delhi government on Thursday started the installation of mist-spray systems across the city. The first system has been set up at ITO, one of the national capital’s most polluted hotspots.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inspected the newly-installed setup and said the government is working on a war footing to tackle every source of pollution. During the visit, the Chief Minister reviewed technical specifications of the system and directed officials to ensure the sprays operate as per schedule. “We are committed to permanent dust-free roads in Delhi. Solutions must be effective and accountable,” she said, adding that public participation will be a key determinant of success.

Cabinet minister Ashish Sood and senior officials were present during the inspection. Gupta said pilot experiments of mist-spray systems in the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area have yielded promising results, paving way for large-scale replication. She said over 300 systems are expected to be installed across major hotspots in the coming months.

The system, mounted on electricity poles and equipped with high-pressure pumps and ultra-fine nozzles, uses RO-treated water to reduce suspended dust and airborne pollutants. Nine pollution hotspots have been selected in the first phase.

The Chief Minister issued directives to all civic agencies, including the Municipal Corporation, Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), for coordinated monitoring and enforcement. She appealed to residents to report pollution-related issues, including potholes, dust accumulation and illegal dumping, via the MCD 311 mobile app. All complaints must be resolved within 72 hours and supported with photographic proof by the departments concerned, the Chief Minister said.