Delhi government tests anti-smog gun

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government today tested an anti-smog gun, a device that sprays atomised water into the atmosphere in a bid to control dust particulate matter and tackle the poor levels of pollution in the national capital.

The anti-smog gun was connected to a water tank and mounted on a vehicle which will enable it to be carried across the city to spray water to settle dust and other suspended particles.

The anti-smog gun was tested at Anand Vihar, one of the most polluted areas in Delhi, this morning. The Air Quality Index, a parameter of determnining air pollution, in the locality situated at the Delhi border was at a "hazardous" 414, ANI reported.

On December 18,  in a meeting to review the detailed action plan of agencies and stakeholders on measures to combat air pollution, environment secretary Anil Kumar Singh apprised Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal of the trial run of the anti-smog gun.

In the meeting, the Lt Governor directed authorities to ensure management of municipal solid waste completely in a time frame of 16 months.

The lieutenant governor also directed all three corporations to ensure that no methane fires occur at the three landfill sites. The L-G also asked all three municipal commissioners to procure requisite mechanical sweepers, litter pickers, water sprinklers within a stipulated time.

Pollution-levels in Delhi remain poor in winters because of the rapid drop in temperatures and stubble burning in the adjoining states of Punjab and Haryana.

This year has been no exception. 

This morning, The Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 and PM 10, indexes of air pollution, remained in the "poor" category in Delhi's Lodhi Road area.

(With inputs from agencies)