New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has strengthened its dust-mitigation measures in Narela and Dwarka through mechanised road sweeping, water sprinkling and an expanded misting network.In Narela, the authority has engaged two mechanised road sweeping machines to cover roads with a 20-metre right of way, along with seven water sprinklers for dust suppression.In Dwarka, DDA’s misting network now covers a running length of 11.8km, comprising 270 poles. The roads covered include a newly completed and functional 3km extension with 66 poles in Sector 8, in continuation of the existing misting system along the central verge of master plan roads.The work is being closely monitored by lieutenant governor TS Sandhu.“The additional coverage comprises a 30-metre road around Malaria Institute where 26 poles have been installed, road no. 226 where 24 poles and road No. 202 where 16 poles have been installed. Each new pole is fitted with 30 misting nozzles. The system operates for 10-15 minutes every hour between 7-11am and 4-8pm,” said an official.DDA has also tendered the deployment of seven water sprinklers for dust mitigation in Dwarka. “These sprinklers are taking regular rounds covering central verges, roadsides and vulnerable points,” said the official. DDA is coordinating with Municipal Corporation of Delhi as road cleaning in Dwarka falls under MCD’s jurisdiction.The authority has also shared guidelines issued by Commission for Air Quality Management for all construction activities, mandating stringent implementation of measures to curb dust pollution. DDA’s zonal offices have been instructed to carry out frequent inspections to ensure compliance.“As the air quality is forecast to mainly remain very poor to severe in the coming days, all officials will have to ensure compliance under GRAP-II,” stated the authority. It emphasised compliance with all orders regarding construction and demolition activities and the proper disposal of this waste.DDA will also ensure regular lifting of municipal solid waste, C&D waste and hazardous waste from dedicated dump sites and see that no waste is dumped illegally in open areas.“We are covering brown patches by planting shrubs over a large portion in our jurisdiction and have also formed teams to check violations,” said the official.
