Chandigarh's Dust War: New Machines Battle Air Pollution

Chandigarh is launching an intensified anti-pollution drive by deploying twelve new mechanized cleaning and dust-suppression machines valued at Rs 6 crore. The initiative, funded by the National Clean Air Programme via the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee, directly addresses roadside dust, identified as a major contributor to the city's poor air quality and PM10 pollution. This issue is worsened by heavy traffic disturbing loose soil and adverse winter weather trapping pollutants near the ground.

The new fleet includes truck-mounted jetting machines for high-pressure road cleaning, fog cannon machines to suppress suspended dust, and water tankers for regular sprinkling. Self-propelled road sweepers with vacuum systems will remove dry sediment, while leaf collectors will manage organic waste to prevent open burning. These measures are part of a broader dust-management strategy implemented ahead of the winter season.

Additional efforts include covering central verges with paver blocks or vegetation, night-time road washing with treated water, and plantation drives along major roads. These combined actions are designed to significantly reduce PM10 and PM2.5 levels, improve urban cleanliness, and mitigate severe winter pollution episodes within the city.