LG asks corporations to make optimum use of mechanical sweepers

NEW DELHI: Delhi Liutenant Governor Anil Baijal Friday issued an advisory to the national capital's municipal corporations to optimise use of mechanical road sweepers to combat air pollution. According to the LG's office, the issue of air pollution has multi-dimensional aspects and the urban local bodies (ULBs) have an important role in tackling the menace.

Baijal stated that one of the major contributors to air pollution in Delhi is Particulate Matter (PM) produced through re-suspension of road dust caused by moving traffic, the LG office said in a statement. The lieutenant governor stated one of the ways to remove this particulate matter pollution load from the city's environment is through mechanical sweeping.

"The LG advised all ULBs to initiate necessary action as per the available expert advice/third-party audit report and ensure optimum utilisation of MRS (Mechanical Road Sweepers) in Delhi," the statement said. "The ULBs were also advised to carry out a scientific assessment of requirement of additional MRSs (if any) in their jurisdiction to improve sanitation operations. Clean roads will lead to clean air in Delhi," it added. At present, 45 mechanical road sweepers in Delhi are being operated by the three corporations and the New Delhi Municipal Council. These MRSs have been specifically procured to combat rising air pollution in the city.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister, Imran Hussain on Friday held an interactive meeting with NGOs active in the field of environmental management and conservation and tree plantation, for promoting and adopting parks and gardens in Delhi, in which more than 20 associations took part. Delhi Parks and Gardens Society was established by the Government of Delhi for monitoring and coordinating the management of parks and gardens in Delhi. It has its own Governing Body and Executive Committee with Directors, Horticulture of all civic agencies as its members.