On September 25, 2024, Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Shri L. G. Saxena launched the Dust-Free Drive Delhi to fight against rising air pollution in the city. This drive comes ahead of the winter season, which typically worsens air quality in the capital. The initiative will help address one of the major causes of air pollution in Delhi, road dust, while preparing the city for the return of rains in October.
Key Details of the Dust-Free Drive Delhi
The Dust-Free Drive Delhi is a joint effort by multiple agencies to clean roads and prevent dust pollution. The drive aims to reduce the amount of dust and silt from roads and drain lines to prevent further degradation of the city’s air quality. A seven-to-ten-day campaign has been launched, with continuous removal of mud and silt even during the rains. The collected waste will be reprocessed and deposited at designated dumping sites to ensure environmental sustainability.
Agencies Involved
Five key agencies will work together to make this initiative successful:
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
- Public Works Department (PWD)
- New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)
- Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FCD)
- Delhi Jal Board (DJB)
These agencies will coordinate their efforts to clean up the city and control dust, which is a major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution.
Reasons for the Dust-Free Drive
The main reason for launching the Dust-Free Drive Delhi is to reduce road dust, which is one of the two major contributors to air pollution in Delhi. With no rain for several days, dry mud and silt accumulate on roads, causing dust particles to rise into the air. This worsens the air quality, especially during the winter season when pollution tends to increase. Road dust, combined with stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and construction dust, significantly contributes to the smog that blankets the city.
Impact of Air Pollution
Air pollution is not only a local issue but also a global concern. Poor air quality affects millions of people worldwide and poses significant health risks. In Delhi, pollution levels spike during the winter months, leading to severe respiratory issues and a higher burden on the healthcare system. The Dust-Free Drive is a crucial step towards improving air quality, reducing pollution, and promoting public health.
Aims and Motivations of the Drive
The Dust-Free Drive aims to reduce dust pollution on Delhi’s roads, improve air quality, and minimize the risk of waterlogging during the rainy season. By preventing dust and silt from blocking drains and sewers, the initiative also seeks to tackle another recurring issue—flooding in parts of the city during heavy rains. The drive is also expected to help reduce the formation of smog in the winter, making the air cleaner and healthier for Delhi’s residents.
Summary of Key Events
- The Dust-Free Drive in Delhi was launched on September 25, 2024.
- Five agencies, including the MCD and PWD, will coordinate the campaign.
- The drive aims to remove dust and silt from the roads to combat air pollution.
- A seven-to-ten-day campaign will help reduce pollution ahead of the winter season.
The collected waste will be reprocessed to promote environmental sustainability.
| Feature | Details |
| Launched by | Delhi LG Shri L. G. Saxena |
| Start Date | September 25, 2024 |
| Duration | 7-10 days |
| Agencies Involved | MCD, PWD, NDMC, I&FCD, DJB |
| Main Goal | To reduce road dust and air pollution |
| Environmental Impact | Promotes environmental sustainability through reprocessing collected waste |
Read more- Delhi Launches ‘Dust-free Delhi’ Initiative to Combat Air Pollution
Also Read Latest Current Affairs 2024
The Dust-Free Drive is an initiative launched by Delhi’s LG Shri L. G. Saxena to reduce road dust and combat air pollution in the city.
The agencies involved are the MCD, PWD, NDMC, I&FCD, and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
Air pollution in Delhi is caused by road dust, vehicle emissions, stubble burning, and construction dust.
The aim is to reduce dust pollution and improve air quality in Delhi, especially ahead of the winter season.
The drive will clean roads, prevent waterlogging, and reduce smog, making Delhi’s air cleaner and healthier.
