NDMC Begins Night Cleaning Amid Rising Pollution Concerns
In an effort to curb pollution levels, the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) carried out night cleaning and sweeping of roads at several locations in the national capital early Friday morning.
Kuljeet Singh Chahal, Vice Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, participated in the cleaning drive and emphasized that the initiative seeks to create a "garbage-free NDMC."
Speaking to ANI during the drive, he said, "We have initiated night cleaning... Currently, we are in Khan Market, one of the most renowned markets globally. Visitors to Khan Market will now witness clean roads and well-maintained areas near the shops. Inspired by our Prime Minister and Home Minister, we aim to transform the city into a healthier, more vibrant, and beautiful space."
He further mentioned that the NDMC staff has resolved to launch this initiative from Khan Market and gradually expand it to other areas of Delhi.
He highlighted that market associations are backing the initiative, stressing that nighttime cleaning will significantly enhance the city's condition.
Kuljeet Singh Chahal criticized the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government, alleging ineffective initiatives to improve the city's cleanliness. Meanwhile, data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated that Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 379 as of 8 a.m. on Thursday, categorizing it as 'very poor.'
According to CPCB data, AQI levels at various locations in Delhi included Chandni Chowk at 338, IGI Airport (T3) at 370, ITO at 355, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 354, RK Puram at 387, Okhla Phase 2 at 370, Patparganj at 381, Sonia Vihar at 394, and Aya Nagar at 359 — all falling within the 'very poor' range.
Several areas, however, were classified under the 'severe' category, with Anand Vihar recording an AQI of 405, Ashok Vihar at 414, Bawana at 418, Dwarka Sector-8 at 401, Mundka at 413, and Wazirpur at 436.
Due to the alarming pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, starting November 18. This stage involves restricting truck entry and halting public construction projects.
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