Delhi Launches Large-Scale Mist Sprinkler Project to Reduce Dust Pollution Across City Roads
In an effort to tackle rising dust levels in the national capital, the Public Works Department has begun installing water-mist spraying systems on nearly 1,000 streetlight poles at multiple locations across the city.
The initiative was announced on Thursday by Delhi’s PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh.
According to the minister, the dust-control systems have already been mounted at several important intersections and roads, including ITO, Ring Road, Anand Vihar, Narela, and Nand Nagri.
Singh explained that the project had already begun earlier, and mist-spray devices had been fitted to several electric poles over the past year.
The department is now widening the initiative to additional regions, particularly those identified as major pollution-prone zones.
Among the areas where the system will soon be introduced are Jahangirpuri, Bawana, Mundka, Rohini, Wazirpur, and Punjabi Bagh West.
Additional neighbourhoods such as Ashok Vihar, Vivek Vihar, Okhla, andRKK Puram are also expected to receive similar installations.
The minister emphasised that airborne dust remains one of the largest contributors to deteriorating air quality in the capital.
To combat this issue, the department has implemented several initiatives, including comprehensive road repairs, beautification of sidewalks and efforts to expand greenery along pavements.
Officials noted that around 1,000 streetlight poles managed by the PWD across nine pollution-sensitive areas are being equipped with these spraying systems.
The existing machines release a fine mist created using treated reverse-osmosis water, with each system capable of spraying approximately 2,000 litres per hour.
The misting units usually operate in two daily cycles—one from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and another from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.—to reduce dust particles during peak traffic hours.
Authorities also said the department has begun installing additional filtration equipment, including colour and fluoride filters, on streetlight structures to strengthen the dust-control network.
So far, 271 units have been fitted, while another 305 installations are planned in the coming phase.
In addition to the sprinkler initiative, the PWD is considering hiring specialised horticulture contractors for three zones of the city to increase vegetation along roadside strips and central medians.
Officials explained that environmentally sustainable landscaping is being developed at traffic roundabouts, where indigenous plants and shrubs suited to Delhi’s climate are being planted to enhance greenery and reduce pollution.
The department has also introduced a digital platform called the PWD Service App to ensure quicker and more transparent handling of public complaints.
Through the application, citizens can now lodge grievances related to road damage, footpaths, streetlights and other civic infrastructure issues online.
As part of its broader anti-dust campaign, the PWD has also partnered with private corporations under their corporate social responsibility programmes to improve areas beneath flyovers.
Companies such as Indian Oil Corporation, Delhi International Airport Limited, DLF, and Godrej Group have been invited to adopt and maintain road stretches and flyover spaces.
In addition, officials said the department is planning to develop more than 20 foot overbridges across the capital to improve pedestrian safety and urban infrastructure.
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