New Delhi, 13 October (H.S.): Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi on Tuesday flagged off 12 newly manufactured truck-mounted multipurpose vehicles equipped with anti-smog guns, water sprinklers and jetting systems from the headquarters of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) at the Civic Centre. Each vehicle has a water tank with a capacity of 7,000 litres. These vehicles are expected to play an important role in controlling dust pollution, improving the city’s environment and carrying out various civic maintenance activities more efficiently.

Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Pravesh Wahi said the MCD was making continuous efforts to improve Delhi’s air quality through the use of modern machinery. The initiative reflects the civic body’s commitment to controlling dust pollution in the national capital, strengthening sanitation services and adopting modern technologies for environmental protection.

The Mayor said the 12 multipurpose vehicles would further strengthen efforts to control airborne dust particles, keep roads clean and improve civic services. Their versatile equipment would also enable the corporation to carry out road washing, drain jetting and public toilet cleaning more effectively.

He added that the newly manufactured vehicles would help control dust and particulate matter generated by road dust, construction activities and other sources. This would reinforce the pollution-control measures already being undertaken by the corporation.

In addition to anti-smog guns and water sprinklers, the vehicles are equipped with jetting systems to clear blockages in narrow, covered drains and culverts. They also feature washing guns for cleaning public toilets, general washing operations and water spraying. Their multipurpose design will enable the MCD to carry out a range of essential civic maintenance activities more efficiently.

The vehicles will be operated under a comprehensive Operations and Maintenance (O&M) model to ensure smooth functioning, regular maintenance and maximum utilisation. To maintain equipment quality, third-party inspections and quality checks through the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have been arranged.

Each vehicle costs Rs 35.06 lakh and has an estimated service life of 15 years. The vehicles are expected to provide long-term support for the corporation’s pollution-control and sanitation initiatives.

Deputy Mayor Dr Monica Pant, Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma, Leader of the House Jai Bhagwan Yadav, Standing Committee Vice-Chairperson Satyapal Singh, DEMS Committee Chairperson Sandeep Kapoor, Education Committee Chairperson Yogesh Verma, Additional Commissioner Arun Kumar Mishra and other senior MCD officials were present on the occasion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar