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Delhi's Road Sweepers Miss Their Mark
23 Oct
Summary
- Mechanised sweepers cover only 35-40% of large Delhi roads.
- Delhi has 100 road sweepers against a required 172.
- Dust is a significant source of Delhi's air pollution.
An assessment by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has revealed that mechanised road sweeping machines (MRSMs) are utilized on only 35-40% of Delhi's large and medium-sized roads on an alternate basis. This falls significantly short of the target to cover the entire road network. Delhi currently has approximately 100 MRSMs, while 172 are deemed necessary.
The machines are deployed on roads with a right of way greater than 60 feet, with plans for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to procure 70 more MRSMs for roads with a right of way over 30 feet. Manual sweeping continues for narrower roads with a large workforce. Obstructions like encroached areas and parked vehicles hinder the MRSMs' operations.
Dust is a primary contributor to Delhi's air pollution, representing 42% of PM10 and 38% of PM2.5 during summer, according to a 2018 study. While CAQM has established operational norms for MRSMs, including an eight-hour shift capability, their effectiveness is limited on roads with potholes or unpaved surfaces, necessitating integration with road redevelopment programs.
