As Delhi prepares for the winter season, when air quality traditionally worsens, the government has identified 13 pollution hotspots and formed a special coordination committee to combat rising pollution levels. Environment Minister on Friday announced that air quality in these areas has deteriorated, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 300 in several locations. The committee will focus on managing localised pollution sources and implementing immediate control measures.
The identified hotspots include densely populated and industrial zones such as Narela, Bawana, Mundka, Wazirpur, Rohini, R K Puram, Okhla, Jahangirpuri, Anand Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Mayapuri, and Dwarka Sector-8. These areas have been singled out due to their “very poor” air quality status, while the overall air quality in Delhi remains in the “poor” category. With winter approaching, the levels of air pollution are expected to worsen, and swift measures are crucial to mitigate this seasonal deterioration.
The newly formed coordination committee will be led by the Deputy Commissioners of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, with engineers from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) assigned to each hotspot. Their task is to provide daily reports to the Pollution War Room, which will serve as the central hub for monitoring pollution levels and assessing the effectiveness of countermeasures. Additionally, 80 mobile anti-smog guns have been deployed across the city to tackle dust pollution, identified as a major contributor to the rising AQI levels.
From a sustainability perspective, this proactive approach highlights the importance of reducing urban air pollution, especially during critical seasonal periods. The deployment of mobile anti-smog guns represents an immediate solution, but long-term measures such as improved urban planning and stricter industrial regulations will be key to maintaining cleaner air. By prioritising these hotspots, the Delhi government is aiming to address both the environmental and public health impacts of air pollution, particularly for vulnerable populations. The strategy to combat air pollution in Delhi goes beyond short-term fixes. The deployment of anti-smog guns is a significant step, but reducing pollution sustainably requires addressing dust management, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollutants. A long-term focus on green urban development and renewable energy sources can help transform Delhi’s air quality and improve public health.
