PWD launches road deep-clean drive to control pollution

The Public Works Department (PWD) on Wednesday deployed 200 maintenance vans to launch a special drive to deep-clean and control dust along all its roads to check pollution levels in the Capital.

According to officials, each of the 200 maintenance vans has been tasked with deep cleaning at least 200 metres of road daily. To ensure accountability, every van is placed under the direct charge of a junior engineer or assistant engineer.

“The drive includes removal of dust, cleaning of kerb channels and bell mouths, debris removal, coordination with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for cases of regular dumping, cleaning and repair of footpaths, filling of potholes, improvement of road signage, and maintenance of streetlights and exposed wiring,” said an official.

Upkeep of trees

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the upkeep of trees along PWD roads is being prioritised. “For this purpose, 60 maintenance vans have been deployed by the Horticulture Department for pruning and related works,” said the CM.

The Chief Minister reiterated that no laxity will be tolerated in the government’s pollution control efforts. “By cleaning and managing dust and debris on roads, the government aims to bring about a significant improvement in Delhi’s air quality,” she added.