The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is actively utilising funds sanctioned under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) to strengthen sanitation and air-quality management across the city, an official said on Monday.
The Centre allocated Rs. 33.74 crore to MCD under NCAP, which has been fully received and is being deployed for various initiatives, he said.
Under this fund, the MCD has already procured and put into operation 28 multifunction sprinklers to improve street cleaning and dust suppression. Meanwhile, efforts are also underway to acquire 14 Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSM).
“The procurement process, initially launched in FY 2022-23, faced delays because purchases exceeding Rs. 5 crore require Standing Committee approval. Since the committee was only constituted in June of this year, the MRSM contracts could not be awarded earlier,” an official said.
After re-inviting bids in FY 2025-26 due to the expiry of rate validity, the MCD issued the letter of intent for these machines on 15 October, with supplies expected within the next three months. The balance fund will be used for procurement of these 14 MRSMs, along with a one-year comprehensive operation and maintenance contract (COMC).
Additionally, the civic body plans to install sprinkling systems on 27 truck-mounted water tankers using savings from the NCAP allocation. Works under the remaining Rs. 8.25 crore of the fund will be undertaken by the New Delhi Municipal Council.
MCD officials emphasised that these initiatives reflect the corporation’s commitment to improving urban sanitation and air quality. By deploying modern cleaning machinery and effective dust suppression measures, the civic body aims to ensure responsible utilisation of allocated funds while contributing to cleaner and healthier city environments.
This step also aligns with broader national objectives under NCAP to curb air pollution, reduce particulate matter, and enhance public health outcomes across Delhi.