Ranchi Municipal Corporation deploys machines to clear air, improve quality

RANCHI: In a sigh of relief to morning walkers as well as commoners who have to struggle due to the presence of particulate matter in the air, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) is going to deploy anti-smog guns as well as sprinklers to disperse the pollutant particles from air.
Ranchi mayor Asha Lakra on Wednesday pressed four such machines to service which will cover over 150 locations across the city to disperse particulate and dust matters present in air.The technologically advanced machines are attached with anti-smog guns, fire extinguishers as well as water sprinklers which will help in improving the air quality in Ranchi.
Talking to TOI, RMC’s city manager Sandeep Kumar said: “We have been getting complaints from morning walkers as well pedestrians on the suspended dust particles present in the air which used to pester the commoners. So in order to improve the air quality, RMC has purchased four vehicles and they have been put in service.”
When asked what will be the primary use of these machines, Kumar said that these will be deployed on stretches used for walking like Morhabadi, Harmu Maidan and near the airport road for providing clean air to the walkers. Apart from that, anti-smog guns will be used on all the major roads of the city to disburse suspended particles in the air.
The four newly purchased machines will also be used to put out minor fires in the city as it comes fitted with a fire extinguisher, too. People were happy with the civic body’s move and said that if the machines are able to capture particulate matter, then it will help reduce respiratory problems. “I have lived in Morhabadi area for 30 years now but the air quality isn’t what it used to be a decade ago. Even during early morning walks, we see a gush of dust every time a vehicle passes by and we are forced to consume the polluted air. It is a welcome step if RMC is going to deploy such machines for clearing the air,” retired forest officer Manilal Tudu said.