Delhi's 'Dust-free' Drive: LG's Push for Cleaner Air

Launch and Motivation of the 'Dust-free Delhi' Initiative

• Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena launches 'Dust-free Delhi' drive
• Initiative aims to reduce pollution levels before winter season
• Road dust identified as a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi
• Dry weather and lack of rain exacerbate the problem
• Drive to be completed in 7-10 days, with potential for year-long campaign

Key Agencies and Their Roles

Five main agencies involved in the initiative:

• 1. Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
  2. Public Works Department (PWD)
  3. New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)
  4. Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD)
  5. Delhi Jal Board (DJB)
• MCD and PWD tasked with cleaning dust from roads and transporting it to designated sites
• IFCD and DJB to coordinate in removing silt and mud
• All agencies required to deploy teams and document work with 'before and after' pictures and videos
• Regular reports to be provided to the L-G for review

Comprehensive Approach to Pollution Management

• High-level task force led by P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, set up
• Task force to assess Delhi's readiness to combat air pollution
• Goal to create a unified strategy for improving Delhi's air quality

Review of measures against various pollution sources:

• • Stubble burning from farms
  • Vehicle emissions
  • Construction dust
  • Solid waste burning
  • Emissions from diesel generators

Implementation and Political Context

• L-G directs agencies to take steps well in advance of the winter pollution peak
• Emphasis on continuous removal of wet mud or silt to prevent drain and sewer line choking
• Initiative aimed at mitigating air pollution and preventing waterlogging in October
• Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claims the L-G's actions are "tactics to claim credit"
• AAP states Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj had previously called for a similar plan