Delhi’s chief minister inspects newly deployed mist sprayers at key pollution hotspots as AQI remains in the ‘very poor’ category. Opposition leaders protest the city’s worsening air crisis.

Delhi Government Showcases New Anti-Pollution Measures Amid Rising Public Anger

Delhi Chief Minister Shelly Oberoi Gupta on Thursday inspected the capital’s newly installed anti-pollution mist sprayers, even as criticism against the government grows over its handling of the toxic winter air. Each unit features five nozzles and consumes around 84 litres of water per hour, following successful trials in municipal zones. The plan includes deploying 305 sprayers across nine major pollution hotspots, including Okhla, Wazirpur, and other high-emission clusters.

Alongside the sprayers, the government has announced road repair works, increased water sprinkling, and the formation of a monitoring committee headed by the chief minister. Despite these measures, Delhi’s air quality continued to hover in the danger zone—recorded at 342 (very poor) on Wednesday before improving slightly to 299.

The deteriorating conditions sparked protests near Parliament, where Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi led demonstrations demanding accountability and immediate action, calling the pollution crisis a public health emergency.

Speaking after her inspection, Gupta appealed for citizen participation, emphasising that “this battle against pollution cannot be fought by the government alone.”

While mist sprayers offer temporary surface-level relief, experts argue that they cannot substitute structural reforms targeting emissions from industry, transport, and construction. With AQI levels repeatedly breaching hazardous thresholds each winter, the public’s patience is thinning. A more coordinated long-term pollution strategy—backed by clear timelines and accountability—may be essential if Delhi hopes to break its annual cycle of crisis management.