The CM attended a demonstration of mechanical road sweeping (MRS) machines, which will be deployed before winter to curb air pollution.
| Photo Credit: ANUSHKA KOGTA
A project to mechanise the process of cleaning city roads got a boost on Monday after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta attended a demonstration of mechanical road sweeping (MRS) machines, water sprinklers, and anti-smog guns, which are set to be deployed in the Capital’s fight against air pollution.
As per the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the government plans to engage 460 water sprinkler machines integrated with anti-smog guns, 70 MRS machines, 70 litter pickers, water tankers and dust dump vehicles to curb bad air. Ms. Gupta said the machines will be fully operational before the onset of winter, when air pollution spikes in the Capital.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said machines will be equipped with modern features like GPS, CCTV, AQI (Air Quality Index) monitors, video analytics, mobile apps, and IoT (Internet of Things) sensors. They will support spraying, garbage unloading, and litter collection functions and this updated technology will enhance the quality of street cleaning and effectively reduce dust pollution.
The CM said that over 1,000 water sprinklers will remain active across Delhi throughout the year, except during monsoon, leading to improved air quality and cleaner air for residents.
Ms. Gupta also added that the operation of each machine and vehicle will be monitored from a central control room to ensure that they work at the right place, right time, and with maximum efficiency.
“This marks the beginning of a new technology-driven sanitation mindset,” she said at the event.
The CMO did not comment on the total estimated cost of the project.
Earlier plans
In 2023, the previous Aam Aadmi Party government had approved a plan worth ₹2,388 crore for a similar project. However, the plan did not materialise; the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had jurisdiction over the roads, even as the funds were to be provided by the Delhi government. In 2024, the MCD sought to expand the plan’s scope by incorporating waste management and road maintenance work, which would require a fresh Cabinet approval. In May, the Gupta-led Cabinet approved the project.
Published – June 17, 2025 01:57 am IST