Night sweeping mooted to curb dust level in morning in Delhi

Advocate Ravinder Raj has written to Delhi Lt.-Governor Najeeb Jung demanding night sweeping to curb high pollution levels that the city encounters during early morning hours. He sought the L-G’s immediate attention and intervention in the matter.

Stating that the public should be kept safe from this daily manmade dust pollution, which is raised during peak morning hours between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. through city sweeping, Mr. Raj noted that the worst hit were the elderly and those out for their morning walks and school-going children.

“Morning hours are the freshest time during the day. Sadly, no city dweller is able to enjoy it because of the sweeping that takes place at that time. The clouds of dust leave us choked hitting us with dust allergies, asthma, bronchitis and other breathing problems,’’ he noted in his letter.

He added that the health reforms will not only prove preventive and curative but also serve as a security measure to prevent thefts.

While the Corporation has maintained that they have mechanised night sweeping, the workers stated that night sweeping disturbed their family life, besides facing threat of accidents and dog attacks.

Noting that both quality of life and health of the city dwellers is taking a beating because of the early morning pollution, which can be easily prevented, Mr. Raj said: “When pubic health is an issue, the Delhi Government should ensure that we follow world standards.’’

Refusing to buy into the excuse given by Corporation staff about the problems associated with night shift, Mr. Raj said: “Indian Railways, Indian Airlines, Air India and many industries in various fields and infrastructure operations have night shift. The health benefits are too many to ignore and stop night sweeping in the city.”