NEW DELHI: The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has stepped up its air-quality management initiatives through the utilisation of funds sanctioned under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The Government of India has approved ₹33.74 crore for Delhi’s civic body, all of which has been released, officials said on Monday.
A significant portion of the allocation has already been directed towards procurement of equipment aimed at reducing dust pollution. The Corporation has purchased 28 multifunction sprinklers, which are currently operational across various zones to support dust-mitigation efforts. These machines form a key element of the city’s strategy to curb particulate matter, particularly during the winter months when pollution levels typically rise.
The civic body is also in the process of procuring 14 Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSM). Tenders were originally floated in the financial year 2022–23; however, procurement costing more than ₹5 crore requires the approval of the Standing Committee. With the Committee being constituted only in June 2025, the Corporation was unable to award the contract during 2023–24 and 2024–25. Following the lapse of the validity period of the earlier bids, tenders were reissued in FY 2025–26. A letter of intent was issued on October 15, 2025, and supply of the sweeping machines is expected within the next three months.
Officials added that the remaining funds will be used to equip 27 truck-mounted water tankers with sprinkling systems through savings realised in the procurement process.