New Delhi’s battle against toxic air pollution took a decisive turn today with the launch of ‘Operation Clean Air’ in the northern districts. Special inspection teams fanned out across densely populated areas, targeting the persistent menace of open garbage burning that chokes the city’s skies.
Municipal authorities reported registering multiple cases against violators caught red-handed igniting waste piles on streets, vacant plots, and near residential complexes. The drive, spearheaded by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), comes amid rising Air Quality Index (AQI) levels that have pushed the national capital into the ‘poor’ category yet again.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as enforcement squads, equipped with fire extinguishers and documentation kits, swooped down on hotspots in areas like Rohini, Pitampura, and Shalimar Bagh. ‘We’ve issued challans worth lakhs and seized materials used for burning,’ confirmed a senior official, emphasizing zero tolerance during the winter months when stubble burning and vehicular emissions compound the crisis.
Residents welcomed the initiative but urged for sustained measures. ‘It’s good to see action, but we need community awareness drives and better waste collection,’ said local shopkeeper Rajesh Kumar. Experts point out that garbage burning releases harmful particulate matter, contributing up to 20% of Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution.
The operation aligns with the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) directives for stricter enforcement under GRAP Stage II. With forecasts predicting further deterioration, authorities plan to expand the campaign citywide, integrating drone surveillance and public reporting apps for real-time monitoring.
As Delhiites brace for another smoggy season, Operation Clean Air signals a proactive shift from reactive firefighting—literally—to preemptive pollution control, promising cleaner breaths ahead if momentum holds.