As part of the various measures adopted to combat pollution at its construction sites, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has pressed into service 14 ‘Anti Smog Guns’ (ASGs) at its sites, which throws fine mist from time to time to check the possibility of dust pollution emanating from the construction work.

Currently, as part of its phase 4 corridors as well as some other construction projects, 12 civil contracts are operational across the national capital, a senior DMRC official said, adding that these state-of-the-art ASGs are capable of spraying fine mist up to 70 to 100 metres.

“It is ensured that the water used for sprinkling is free from coliforms, viruses and bacteria. High quality nozzles with droplet sizes of 10 to 50 micro metres are used for greater impact. With the gradual expansion of construction work, more such ASGs shall be introduced at the sites in the days ahead. DMRC’s Environment department is conducting regular inspections to ensure that the ASGs are regularly used at the sites by the contractors,” he said.

Apart from the regular use of ASGs, DMRC takes a number of other measures to minimize the impact of pollution emanating from its sites, the official said. “To make it more effective daily barricade cleaning and toe dust cleaning is carried out. All construction materials are properly covered with tarpaulin and other materials. Wheels of vehicles leaving the sites are properly cleaned so that they do not spread dust or mud on the streets. The materials carried by them are also adequately covered,” he added.

The entire northern part of India, especially the National Capital Region (NCR) grapples with the menace of severe pollution during the months of October to December.