NDMC to Frame SOP for Road Cleaning and Dust Control in Lutyens' Area
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will formulate a standard operating procedure (SOP) to boost the cleaning of roads and public spaces across the Lutyens' area, focusing on pressure-jet water cleaning and mechanised sweeping, NDMC Chairman Manoj Kumar Dwivedi said on Friday.
Responding to public feedback on civic cleaning measures, Dwivedi stated in a post on social media platform X that pressure-jet water cleaning was already being undertaken. He noted that the civic body will integrate this with other cleaning measures before institutionalising the process through an SOP for optimal cleaning and dust removal.
Dwivedi said six mechanised road sweeping machines have already been deployed in the area, with plans underway to add more. He highlighted the need for a consistent water supply to these machines to effectively control dust while sweeping the streets.
Dust accumulation on roads was also acknowledged as being linked to underlying road conditions and the upkeep of roadside green spaces. Calling some of these matters "legacy problems" that will take time to resolve, the chairman indicated that the NDMC is considering "reengineering" measures to tackle the issues and will follow international standards in constructing new roads.
Additionally, Dwivedi announced that wearing fluorescent safety jackets will be made mandatory for all ground staff. The jackets are meant to make municipal workers more visible to the public, while the fluorescent strips will help protect them while working during dark hours.
Addressing a suggestion regarding whether ground staff should also be provided shoes, Dwivedi stated that equipment requirements would depend on the nature of the work. He cited the example of pump operators deployed during waterlogging, explaining that shoes may not be advisable for workers in those specific conditions. Other worker requirements will be evaluated and incorporated into the SOP.
Earlier in the week, the NDMC chairman publicly apologised to residents of the Lutyens' area for widespread waterlogging following a spell of heavy rainfall, stating that his social media engagement aims to strengthen civic communication and feedback mechanisms.
