Mist system on 1k electric poles to fight air pollution

New Delhi: The Delhi Public Works Department has planned to install water sprinkler systems on 1,000 street lights across the capital. It is part of anti-pollution measures under which the PWD has started greening and beautification work at 47 roundabouts. These green walls, aimed at improving urban aesthetics and air quality, will be equipped with automated drip irrigation systems that will run on recycled water from nearby sewage treatment plants, PWD minister Parvesh Verma said. Alongside this initiative, PWD also completed the rejuvenation of 10 major parks across Delhi."To combat air pollution, PWD is widely deploying sprinkler and mist spray systems. Sprinklers were proposed for 1,000 streetlight poles, with 271 units already installed and 305 mist spray systems operational. It will help strengthen dust control and improve air quality," Verma said. A PWD report said that at 47 roundabouts, safe and environment-friendly green cover is being developed. Native plants and shrubs, suited to the local climate and soil, were selected because green cover plays a key role in curbing road dust and pollution. Apart from pollution control measures, the department has also reported progress on road infrastructure, flyovers and citywide redevelopment in 2025–26. Among the major projects completed during the period were the Nand Nagri-Gagan Cinema flyover and Loni Chowk underpass in northeast Delhi. Built at a cost of Rs 341.20 crore, the 820-metre, six-lane flyover opened on Sept 28 last year.Work on a large-scale end-to-end road redevelopment programme covering 1,440 km across the capital was also started. The upgraded corridors will feature redesigned footpaths, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and green belts.