The Delhi Public Works Department has expanded its dust-control strategy beyond 47 identified pollution hotspots, planning to target roads, construction activity, exposed soil and other dust sources within a 3-km radius of each location ahead of the winter pollution season.
The hotspot-based plan is intended to prevent dust from reaching areas where pollution-control measures are already being implemented. PWD officials said loose soil, uncovered construction material and excavation activity in surrounding neighbourhoods can continue to release particulate matter into the air, with wind carrying it towards the identified hotspots.
The locations include Anand Vihar, ITO, DTU, Dwarka, Bawana, Pusa, IGI Airport, IIT Delhi, areas near Jawaharlal Nehru University, Burari Crossing, North Campus and Alipur, among others. The department’s approach will therefore cover not only the immediate road or junction associated with a hotspot but also nearby areas that may act as sources of airborne dust.
The department is planning to deploy around 200 anti-smog guns as part of the dust-suppression measures. The equipment is intended to help prevent dust from becoming airborne, rather than relying only on cleaning or suppression after pollution levels have risen.
Road dust, construction activity and other exposed surfaces are among the sources being addressed under the plan. During dry and stagnant weather conditions, dust from uncovered ground and construction sites can add to particulate pollution. Vehicular emissions remain a major contributor to Delhi’s overall pollution, but the PWD’s strategy focuses specifically on reducing dust generated by urban activity and exposed surfaces.
The 3-km approach reflects the operational difficulty of managing pollution at a single point when its sources may be distributed across surrounding neighbourhoods. A treated road stretch or junction can remain vulnerable if nearby construction material is uncovered, excavation continues or loose soil is left exposed. The department’s plan seeks to connect hotspot management with the wider condition of roads, building sites and open areas around them.
The announcement comes as Delhi prepares for another winter pollution season, when stagnant weather can affect the dispersion of pollutants. The PWD’s immediate measures are centred on identifying dust sources around the 47 hotspots and deploying suppression equipment. Further implementation details, including the precise locations of the anti-smog guns and the monitoring process for the surrounding areas, were not provided in the report.