Delhi Takes Concrete Steps Against Hazardous Air Quality
In a significant move to tackle the capital's deteriorating air quality, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has approved the procurement of 14 additional Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs). This decision came during the regular meeting of the MCD Standing Committee held on November 20, 2025, as Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) averaged at 392, firmly placing it in the 'very poor' category.
Financial Allocation and Winter Action Plan
The meeting saw detailed discussions about the civic body's comprehensive winter action plan to combat air pollution. Officials revealed that the Rs 610 crore sanctioned by the Delhi government earlier this week is being strategically utilized for various anti-pollution activities.
The substantial financial allocation breaks down as follows:
- Rs 516.35 crore for procurement of 60 Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines
- Rs 86.82 crore for purchasing vacuum-based battery operated litter picker machines
- Rs 7.1 crore for maintenance of designated Construction and Demolition (C&D) sites
Enhanced Operations During GRAP Implementation
A crucial aspect of the new strategy involves intensifying cleaning operations during critical pollution periods. According to sources familiar with the matter, "The duration of operation of MRS is enhanced for additional hours when the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is being implemented."
This proactive approach ensures that mechanical sweeping operations are scaled up precisely when Delhi faces the worst air quality conditions, providing a more targeted and effective response to pollution emergencies.
The decision to expand the fleet of mechanical road sweepers represents Delhi's ongoing commitment to finding technological solutions to the persistent problem of dust pollution, which significantly contributes to the city's winter air quality crisis.
