Delhi Deploys 600 Smart Machines to Tackle Pollution
In a major push towards cleaner, climate-resilient urban living, the Delhi government has announced the deployment of over 600 high-tech sanitation machines to tackle persistent air pollution across the city. The rollout includes more than 460 water sprinkler vehicles, 70 mechanical road sweeping machines, and 70 battery-operated litter pickers aimed at improving air quality and public health.
The announcement followed a live demonstration of the fleet outside the Delhi Secretariat, signalling the government’s intent to integrate technology into everyday civic operations. Each assembly constituency in Delhi is expected to receive machines under the new citywide cleanliness and dust-control initiative approved by the Cabinet. Road dust remains a significant contributor to the national capital’s poor air quality.
Officials said that targeted use of water sprinklers, dust suppression equipment, and smart sweeping systems could significantly reduce PM2.5 and PM10 particles that are known to cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and other health risks. The advanced fleet features cutting-edge technologies such as GPS tracking, CCTV surveillance, AQI monitors, video analytics, and mobile-based apps for remote management.
Each machine will be tracked and managed via a centralised control room to ensure optimal efficiency and transparency in operations. Among the standout innovations are the water sprinkler machines fitted with anti-smog guns and large 17,000-litre water tanks. These machines spray a fine 50-micron mist and can operate continuously for four hours. Officials noted that the mist is fine enough to bring down airborne dust particles and even clean tall trees.
Mechanical road sweepers, with a sweeping width of 3.5 metres, can clean up to 45 kilometres of road in a single shift. Each unit carries 2,000 litres of water and is expected to significantly enhance dust collection on arterial roads and city intersections. Battery-powered litter pickers with a capacity of 220 litres, these machines come equipped with auto-braking systems, GPS units, fire prevention features, and battery-monitoring tools.
Citizens have been urge to support the mission by avoiding littering and adhering to construction site regulations. Environmental experts and civic planners have welcomed the initiative, calling it a step forward in leveraging data and automation for sustainable urban development. The campaign underscores the importance of technology-backed, community-supported action plans to build greener, liveable cities.