Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced a multi-pronged initiative to curb air pollution in the capital, with plans to deploy 1,000 water sprinklers across the city and install anti-smog guns on high-rise buildings.
Addressing reporters after a high-level meeting with civic agencies, Gupta said the citywide campaign aims to target all major contributors to pollution, including vehicular emissions, construction dust, and industrial waste. “The Delhi government is working to make every corner of the city pollution-free. We are preparing to deploy 1,000 water sprinklers to tackle dust pollution. Every part of the city will be covered,” the Chief Minister stated. She added that real-time air quality monitoring systems will play a key role in the implementation of this drive. A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of a pilot trial for artificial cloud seeding — marking a first-of-its-kind initiative for the capital. Cloud seeding is expected to be tested to generate artificial rainfall as a supplementary method to clear airborne pollutants.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who was also present, said the Pollution Action Plan 2025 is under final review and will be launched soon. “We have discussed and refined the plan with the Chief Minister, and it includes several new features. Mist machines will be installed at 13 identified pollution hotspots. We are also taking steps to stop end-of-life vehicles from entering the city, with advance notifications about restrictions,” said Sirsa. The meeting saw participation from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Public Works Department (PWD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Agencies were directed to act in coordination to accelerate garbage clearance and dust suppression efforts. Strict deadlines have been imposed for the removal of major garbage dumps across the city, with authorities under instruction to intensify anti-smog operations.
The government also plans to enhance enforcement mechanisms to check industrial emissions and ensure that dust-control norms are followed at all construction sites. With Delhi often ranking among the most polluted cities globally, the new initiatives signal a renewed urgency in addressing air quality concerns, particularly as the capital prepares for the high-pollution post-monsoon season. The CM concluded by reiterating her administration’s commitment to ensuring clean air for all residents and urged citizens to actively cooperate with the measures.
