Clean Roads, Cleaner Air: MCD Launches ₹1,415-Crore Dust-Control Drive

  • April 7, 2026, 4:59 p.m.

New Delhi, April 7, 2026: In a major move to tackle air pollution caused by road dust, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has launched a ₹1,415-crore mechanized dust-control program. The initiative aims to double the city’s mechanical sweeping fleet and deploy electric road sweepers, water tankers, and dust-dumping vehicles across Delhi.

Key Highlights:
City Division: Delhi is carved into three sectors, each comprising four zones, to ensure focused dust-control operations.
Sector 1: South, Najafgarh, West, and Central zones
Sector 2: Keshavpuram, Rohini, Narela, and Civil Lines
Sector 3: City Sadar Paharganj, Karol Bagh, Shahdara South, and Shahdara North
Fleet Expansion: The current 58 mechanical road sweepers will be more than doubled, significantly increasing the city’s capacity for road cleaning.
Electric Transition: The program prioritizes electric sweepers and water tankers, reducing both dust and carbon emissions.
Ten-Year Operation: The MCD has invited bids for three operators to manage dust-control activities for 10 years, including mechanical sweeping, water spraying, and dust dumping.
Timeline: Officials aim to operationalize the new fleet before winter, when dust-related air pollution typically peaks.
Health & Environment Impact: Road dust contributes significantly to Delhi’s PM10 levels and respiratory health issues. This initiative is expected to improve air quality and reduce pollution-related health risks.
Officials’ Statement

Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh said the program reflects strong financial and administrative backing from the Delhi government and will transform road cleaning operations across the city.

Background: Road dust has long been a major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution. Previous efforts with diesel-run sweepers were limited in scope, and this mechanized, electric fleet marks a first-of-its-kind modernization for the city’s dust-control strategy.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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