Steps to improve cleanliness suggested

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, APRIL 30. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has introduced pre-dawn sweeping in some areas under it while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has introduced the system in 31 colonies on an experimental basis.

The two local bodies have done it to spare people living in their respective zones from the dust pollution.

The NDMC made this declaration in an affidavit to the Delhi High Court in reply to a public interest litigation (PIL) by Mr. Ravinder Raj, an advocate, seeking directions to the NDMC and the MCD to complete daily cleaning of the city at night instead of between 7 and 10 a.m. to avoid dust pollution during rush hours.

``The NDMC has already introduced night sweeping in some of its areas facing massive parking and congestion problems,'' the affidavit filed in the court of a Division Bench comprising Mr. Justice Arun Kumar and Mr. Justice B.N. Chaturvedi said.

The night sweeping had been introduced in Connaught Place, Khan Market, Sarojini Nagar Market, Vijay Chowk, Rajpath, Central Vista lawns on both sides of Rajpath, India Gate and C Hexagon of India Gate, the affidavit said.

Attempts were being made to expand night brooming in Gole Market, Janpath, Bengali Market, near the Indian Oil Bhawan on Janpath, Madras Hotel Bus Terminus, Baba Kharag Singh Marg, Bhai Veer Singh Marg, Tilak Marg, Pandara Market, Birla Mandir, Hanuman Mandir complex, Mandi House, Parliament House area and Central Secretariat, and it would be further expanded in the rest of areas, the affidavit said.

As regards night sweeping in residential areas, the affidavit said that as all lanes, by-lanes, side lanes as well as approach areas in and around residential colonies remained occupied by private vehicles throughout the night, they were available for cleaning only in late morning hours.

Further, if night sweeping was done in these areas, the residents would be disturbed due to noise pollution, the affidavit said, adding that a mix of night sweeping in commercial areas and daytime sweeping in residential areas was being maintained

The Council assured the court that it had been trying its level best in following suggestion of the petitioner in letter and spirit, and would abide by all orders to be passed by the High Court in the matter.

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