Sirsa reviews dust mitigation efforts

As part of Delhi’s Winter Action Plan to curb pollution, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Saturday inspected several dust-prone and sanitation vulnerable stretches in Vasant Kunj and Mahipalpur. The inspection comes amid intensified efforts by the Delhi Government to reduce particulate matter and smog formation across the city.

The minister reviewed cleanliness and dust control measures at multiple hotspots, including Bhatnagar School (Sector B, Pocket 10, DDA Road, Vasant Kunj), Masoodpur Dairy area, the PET Clinic at MCD B-9 LIG Flats, the stretch near Ryan International School, and Mahipalpur Chowk leading to Vasant Valley School. These locations have been identified for frequent dust accumulation and waste congestion.

Senior officials from the MCD, DDA and Revenue Department accompanied the minister during the field visit. Sirsa said that “Intensified dust mitigation efforts underway at 62 identified dust or traffic prone hotspots to curb particulate matter contributing to smog and air pollution.”

Reviewing before and after photographs of cleaned sites, the minister assessed the impact of ongoing sanitation operations. He also examined gaps related to manpower, machinery and frequency of cleanup work. Officials were directed to resolve shortcomings immediately.

Highlighting the contribution of road and construction dust to air pollution, he noted, “Road and construction dust contributes substantially to PM10 and PM2.5 levels in the air, and unless we remove it effectively, smog control cannot be achieved.”

The minister instructed departments to maintain continuous oversight through citizen feedback platforms and the Green Delhi app. He called for more public participation.