New Delhi, 4 Dec

The Delhi government is ramping up efforts to tackle air pollution by deploying mist spray technology across the capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Thursday.

Gupta inspected mist sprayers installed at ITO and confirmed that 305 sprayers will be set up at nine major pollution hotspots in the city.

Mist technology, which uses water sprays to reduce dust pollution, has shown promising results in trials conducted in some New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) areas.

"We are preparing an extensive plan to cover all the roads in Delhi with mist spray machines. Mist sprayers fitted on 35 poles at ITO are showing good results," Gupta said after the inspection.

To further bolster pollution control measures, a high-level committee comprising experts from various fields will advise the government. The panel will include officials from multiple departments, IIT experts, and environmental specialists and will be granted special powers.

Gupta added that departments such as PWD, DSIIDC, and the DDA have been instructed to fill potholes, carpet roads, and plant foliage on road dividers and islands, among other measures. She urged citizens to report potholes on the Delhi government portal.

Additionally, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have been asked to provide electric heaters to security guards in residential areas to reduce biomass burning during winters, which contributes to pollution, the chief minister said.