Delhi Pollution: Anti-Smog Guns Spray Water in Central Delhi to Curb Dust

New Delhi: The administration has stepped up measures to stop pollution from rising in Delhi. Anti-smog guns are being used to spray water in central Delhi so that dust flying up from roads can be reduced. The first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is in force in the capital to tackle pollution. Attention is now on how much these measures improve air quality.

As winter sets in, concerns over pollution begin to grow in Delhi. When wind speed drops, dust and smoke particles can stay in the atmosphere for a long time. Smoke from vehicles, dust from construction work and soil collected on roads play a big role in polluting the air. Efforts are therefore being made to curb these causes in time.

Efforts to Keep Dust Down With Anti-Smog Guns

Fine droplets of water were sprayed in central Delhi through an anti-smog gun. The machine spreads water into the air as tiny particles, which helps dust particles settle down. This can reduce the dust flying up on roads and in nearby areas.

However, this method cannot control all causes of pollution. Separate steps have to be taken to reduce smoke from vehicles and pollution from other sources. Spraying water alone is therefore not enough. Cleaning of roads and making sure that rules are followed at construction sites are also necessary.

Steps Being Taken Under GRAP-1

With GRAP-1 in force in Delhi, the emphasis is on keeping watch on the causes of pollution and on measures such as reducing dust. Under this, regular cleaning of roads, sprinkling of water as required and compliance with dust-control rules at construction sites are important.

These measures will be of benefit only if the departments concerned monitor continuously and action is also taken against those who break the rules. People, too, will have to take steps such as avoiding burning of waste in the open and using private vehicles less.

Air Quality to Be Kept Under Watch

How much pollution in Delhi rises or falls depends on the weather, wind speed and the sources that cause pollution. Spraying from anti-smog guns may help reduce dust, but it cannot be expected to clean the entire air.

For now, the administration's effort is to stop pollution from rising. In the coming days, air quality data will show how much effect these measures have had.