Mechanical cleaning of roads to make Delhi dust-free

 

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he world’s most polluted city is about to go dust-free. Delhi government has decided to go for mechanical cleaning of roads in the national capital. The move aims at combating air pollution caused by dust. As per reports, dust is responsible for about one-third of Delhi’s air pollution.

Recently, Delhi was recognized as the world’s most polluted city, ahead of Beijing in China. The alarming rise in pollution levels has called for a dedicated approach in countering pollution. The state government plans to introduce mechanical cleaning of about 1,200 km roads of Public Works Department (PWD) in the city. The mechanical cleaning of these roads is set to begin in about three months. Delhi government also plans to plant grass on both sides of the roads in order to mitigate the dust effect. In addition to all this, renovation and maintenance of roads is another important step which will help control dust levels in the capital. Mechanical cleaning of roads is believed to reduce more than 20% air pollution in the national capital.

Dust emanating from construction sites is also a worry for the residents of Delhi. Only last week, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered the state government to take measures in this regard. Also, the NGT banned the entry of diesel vehicles more than 10 years old in Delhi. Hundreds of such vehicles were impounded in the national capital after the NGT ban came into force.

But experts believe that if Delhi is really serious about bringing down air pollution levels, the state authorities and the people will have to go the extra mile. Banning vehicles and reducing dust levels is a welcome move, but other strict and stringent measures need to be taken in order to make the city air cleaner and better.

(Featured Image Credits: onthewight.com)