In a bold move to reclaim breathable air, North Delhi launched ‘Operation Clean Air’ on Monday, unleashing special squads to curb rampant garbage burning. The intensive campaign registered several FIRs and fines against offenders, marking a significant escalation in the war on urban pollution sources.
Focusing on high-risk zones including Model Town, Civil Lines, and Mukherjee Nagar, teams conducted surprise raids from dawn till dusk. Violators faced immediate penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. ‘This is just the beginning; daily patrols will continue,’ stated NDMC Commissioner Dr. Ashwani Kumar.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. Delhi’s AQI hovered around 250-300, driven by stagnant winds and local emissions. Garbage fires, often from uncollected waste, spew dioxins and black carbon, exacerbating health risks like respiratory illnesses that spike during winters.
Local leaders hailed the effort. Congress councillor Mukesh Goel called it ‘a much-needed reality check for lazy waste handlers,’ while BJP’s Rekha Gupta advocated for waste-to-energy plants as long-term solutions. Community groups are stepping up with door-to-door campaigns to educate on segregation and composting.
Backing the ground action, the Delhi government has allocated additional funds for 50 new waste collection vehicles in North Delhi. Tech integration includes GPS-tracked bins and AI-powered smoke detection cameras.
Operation Clean Air isn’t merely punitive; it’s a clarion call for collective responsibility. If scaled effectively, it could slash local pollution contributions by 15-20%, offering Delhi a blueprint for sustainable urban living amid the annual smog apocalypse.