New Delhi: In a first for the capital, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has inducted CNG-operated mechanical road sweepers, adding five new machines to its fleet as part of its push towards cleaner mobility.The move follows NDMC’s budget announcement on switching to CNG-based vehicles. The civic body currently operates four diesel-powered mechanical road sweepers.NDMC vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal said, “NDMC carries out mechanised sweeping of major roads during day and night shifts. Mechanical road sweepers play a crucial role in reducing road dust, improving air quality and ensuring safer streets.”He said the new machines would help NDMC meet its target of sweeping nearly 415 km of roads daily, particularly in the high-security, high-footfall VVIP areas under its jurisdiction. “The procurement of five additional units was essential to effectively control dust pollution,” he added.Chahal added that the sweepers are CNG-operated in line with National Green Tribunal orders barring the registration of diesel vehicles in Delhi. With this, NDMC has become the first civic body in the city to procure mechanical road sweepers mounted on a CNG chassis. The five machines cost about Rs 3.71 crore.Officials said the machines ensure faster and more efficient cleaning, reduce accident risks by removing debris, save time and manpower and offer an eco-friendly and hygienic solution. “Night-time wet cleaning and sweeping operations are already underway across NDMC areas to ensure residents wake up to clean, dust-free streets every morning,” Chahal said.
