October 2, 21:20Aaj Tak

24/7 Pollution Monitoring Launched in Delhi: State Chief Reha Gupta Opens DPCC Operations Center Using AI-CCTV at Over 700 Sites

A new command center has been launched to ensure round-the-clock pollution monitoring in Delhi. State Chief Reha Gupta inaugurated the DPCC Integrated Crisis Management Center (ICCC) at Shastri Park within the DMRC IT Park on Thursday. This center will monitor over 700 construction sites using Artificial Intelligence cameras (AI CCTV). Additionally, street cleaning vehicles will be tracked via GPS, and field team body-worn cameras will be connected to the center.

During the winter, this center will function as an operational headquarters. Actions will be coordinated by 78 division teams, and citizens can submit complaints through the public suggestion portal. The State Chief emphasized that mere data collection is insufficient; immediate action is required. Work in the ICCC will be based on the principle of 'Detect, Analyze, Act, Verify': first, the source of pollution or violation is identified, then verification is conducted, the relevant department is notified, and finally, the result of the measures taken is assessed.

According to Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the center was prepared approximately six months before the planned date. Currently, constant video surveillance is being conducted on construction sites larger than 500 square meters, and when PM10 levels rise, the department and the site owner receive an immediate notification. Data from all AQI stations, past years' statistics, and local pollution sources will be analyzed.

Mechanical road sweeping machines are equipped with GPS trackers. Through the center, their location, route, cleaning volume, distance covered, and working duration can be monitored, which allows for determining whether the machines are performing work within the stipulated time. The government asserts that this will increase transparency and accountability. 'Vayudut' groups will identify pollution-contributing activities in the field, and their body-worn cameras will be integrated with the ICCC. DPCC staff are required to use body-worn cameras during inspections. In winter, 78 division teams will work jointly with the ICCC, receiving alerts about hotspots or violations. New surveillance cameras will monitor the burning of garbage and biomass in open areas.

Citizens can share complaints, suggestions, and examples of good practices on the public suggestion portal, which the government plans to reward. Staff members in the center will be on 24-hour shifts, with accommodation facilities provided, including a kitchen, dining hall, and beds. According to the government, work is also underway to implement smog and fog sprays, dust control, green zone creation, development of clean transport, and electric mobility.

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timesofindia.indiatimes.comSeptember 20, 11:22

Delhi Government Intensifies Air Pollution Fight: Deadlines Set for Roadworks and Pollution Hotspot Mapping

The Delhi government has intensified its measures to combat air pollution, instructing district administrations to create maps of pollution hotspots. These administrations must identify pollution sources within a three-kilometer radius and assign responsible departments with specific corrective measures and deadlines. Furthermore, it has been mandated that all unfinished road and civil works must be completed by October 31st, where feasible. Stricter requirements have been introduced regarding dust control from roads, construction pollution, waste burning, illegal parking, and traffic congestion.

These directives were announced during district-level meetings chaired by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa for the eastern, northeastern, southeastern, and southern districts of Delhi. Staff were instructed to use Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring data to identify problem areas, assess pollution sources, and take immediate action on the ground.

Pollution Hotspots Will Receive Source-Specific Action Plans

District administrations will map pollution hotspots based on data obtained from AQI monitoring stations. Each hotspot will then be analyzed for sources such as road dust, traffic jams, vehicular emissions, construction and demolition activities, unauthorized parking, open or unmanaged land, and biomass or waste burning.

Where necessary, activities generating pollution within a three-kilometer radius of each hotspot will be investigated. Authorities will prepare source-grouped action plans detailing the required corrective measures, the responsible organization, and implementation timelines.

Particular attention will be paid to locations recording high levels of PM10 and PM2.5, especially in areas with heavy traffic, heavy vehicle parking, significant road dust, and congestion. Such locations will be inspected for pollution sources, and immediate remedial actions will be taken.

October 31 Deadline for Unfinished Roadworks

The government has ordered departments to prioritize the completion of unfinished civil works by October 31st, if possible. These works include pothole repair, grading and development of brownfield sites, and other road and roadside maintenance activities. Staff were also instructed on the necessity of proper maintenance of completed works to reduce road dust generation.

In cases where necessary work cannot be performed due to ongoing projects, departments are obligated to continue water sprinkling and apply other dust suppression measures until the road surface is restored.

Stricter Regulations on Construction and Waste Burning

The government has directed departments to strictly adhere to dust control norms at construction and demolition sites. Violations will result in severe penalties according to existing regulations. The ban on biomass burning will also be enforced without exception. Preventive measures against the open burning of garbage, plastic and rubber waste, textiles and fibers, industrial and organic residues, scrap metal, and other combustible materials will be strengthened.

Targeted Action Against Illegal Parking and Encroachments

Staff were also tasked with clearing illegal encroachments from roads and public spaces if they contribute to congestion and impede traffic flow. This initiative aims to improve traffic flow and reduce pollution caused by idling vehicles and prolonged delays.

At Anand Vihar bus station, departments were instructed to increase control over unauthorized parking of buses and heavy vehicles. Cranes will be deployed, if necessary, to remove or tow such vehicles.

Patparganj to Receive Special Attention

The Patparganj industrial area has been designated for targeted interventions aimed at reducing road dust, traffic congestion, and vehicular emissions. Departments have been instructed to maintain continuous water sprinkling and dust control measures in vulnerable areas, especially where road or related works are underway.

Future Roads to Minimize Exposed Ground

For future projects, departments are mandated to provide full coverage or paving for roads and corresponding roadside areas, where technically feasible and compliant with applicable specifications. The goal of this step is to reduce the amount of exposed soil and unpaved surfaces that can contribute to road dust formation.

The government emphasized the need for closer coordination between various departments and agencies, clearly distributing responsibility for individual pollution control measures. Local Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), district magistrates, Deputy Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners of MCD, and senior officials from various departments participated in the meetings. Coordinated efforts involved staff from the Revenue Department, DPCC, PWD, MCD, Traffic Police, DSIIDC, I&FC, DJB, DMRC, NHAI, and other agencies. The Minister also instructed local teams to maintain constant vigilance in vulnerable spots and respond immediately to violations. DPCC and law enforcement agencies were required to impose strict fines, including substantial penalties where applicable. Officials were also informed about the necessity of promptly addressing citizen complaints, especially those received through the 311 helpline.