New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is focusing on better road conditions, dust control, mechanised cleaning, and monitoring construction and demolition activities to tackle pollution during winter. Standing committee chairperson Satya Sharma said, “Approximately 6,127 kilometres of roads under the jurisdiction of MCD are being regularly swept manually by around 57,000 Safai Mitras. Work for end-to-end reconstruction and strengthening of 1,202 kilometres of roads has been taken up, while 6,797 potholes were repaired between April and Aug.” The civic body is also working to increase green areas.Since May 18, a deep-cleaning campaign has been underway to remove accumulated dust and silt from roads. Approximately 2,900 metric tonnes of silt has been removed and roads stretching 1,200km have been cleaned, Sharma said.Under the winter action plan, MCD has constituted joint enforcement teams, which will monitor and inspect biomass burning, dust pollution arising from construction and demolition activities, use of unauthorised fuels, illegal dumping of C&D waste or garbage, and C&D waste storage at dumping sites.Air pollution sources at 46 hotspots identified by DPCC are being assessed, and action is being taken in coordination with the departments concerned. The deputy commissioners have been designated as nodal officers. Monitoring committees and cross-functional teams have been formed to monitor and inspect pollution-control measures in these areas, said Sharma.
