Sood reviews pollution control measures

Delhi Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood chaired a high-level review meeting on pollution control measures being undertaken by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) at the Delhi Secretariat on Wednesday.

During the meeting, MCD officials informed that about 14,000 metric tonnes of waste was collected daily in the city. Sood directed officials to expedite waste segregation at the source, emphasising that effective segregation is crucial for proper waste management.

He further instructed that the modern machinery procured by the MCD for cleanliness and pollution control should be used efficiently and should show visible results in improving the city’s sanitation standards.

Detailed discussions were also held regarding the operation of 28 smog guns and 167 sprinklers currently being used across Delhi to control dust and pollution. The minister directed that, if necessary, employees should work in double shifts to ensure reduced pollution levels.

He also instructed that all 52 mechanical road sweeping machines function effectively and suggested redesigning their routes to enhance operational efficiency.

Referring to the three fire incidents reported last year at the Ghazipur landfill site, Sood instructed officials to take strict measures to prevent recurrence.

Officials briefed the minister about preventive measures adopted at the Bhalswa, Ghazipur, and Okhla landfill sites. It was informed that, except during the monsoon, 20,000–25,000 tonnes per day (TPD) of bio-mining is being carried out, with a record 30,000 TPD achieved between 25–29 September and 17–18 October.

Designated areas have been earmarked for disposal of municipal solid waste at Bhalswa and Ghazipur, while no new waste is being dumped at Okhla.

The minister announced that he will personally review the progress of work at landfill sites, visiting Ghazipur on Monday and Bhalswa on Thursday. He also directed officials to install or repair GPS systems in all cleanliness and pollution control machines for real-time monitoring.

Sood also held discussions with representatives of the International Solar Alliance on ways to reduce vehicular pollution in Delhi.

He stated that the Delhi Government was working on multiple fronts to tackle both pollution and waste management challenges. “Our goal is to make Delhi not only clean but also green and sustainable. Fire incidents at dump sites and open waste burning are now being handled through scientific methods. All departments must ensure accountability at every level,” he said.

He added, “Delhi Government’s goal is to prioritise cleanliness and environmental protection.”

The minister said all environmental initiatives undertaken by the Delhi Government were based on the principles of “Technology, Transparency, and Public Participation.”

The Delhi Government and the MCD are jointly working towards making the national capital clean and pollution-free.