According to data from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, only 34% of the necessary anti-smog guns have been placed at large building sites in Gurugram, with 66% still pending. These tools aid in reducing air pollution, particularly in the winter. For building sites between 5,000 and 10,000 square meters, the standards call for at least one anti-smog gun, with bigger sites needing several. Gurugram now has a decent air quality, but experts predict that it will get worse. If anti-smog guns are not installed after a week's notice, environmental officials intend to fine violators. These tools are crucial for combating the pollution in the area.
Large construction sites in Gurugram have fallen short in implementing anti-smog measures. Out of the required 750 anti-smog guns, only 255 (34%) have been installed, according to data from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). These devices are essential for mitigating air pollution, especially during the winter months when the region faces severe smog issues. HSPCB mandates the installation of at least one anti-smog gun for construction sites spanning 5,000-10,000 sqm, with larger sites requiring more. Gurugram's current air quality is moderate, but experts anticipate a decline into poor conditions soon.
Anti-smog guns are devices resembling cannons that spray fine water particles into the air, creating artificial mist to settle dust, PM2.5 particles, and other pollutants. These guns are connected to water tanks for a continuous water supply and can be mounted on trucks to cover large construction areas.
Gurugram's air quality typically deteriorates during winter, transitioning from moderate to poor, very poor, and even severe levels. This degradation results from a combination of factors, including local pollutants, open waste burning, road dust, and vehicular emissions. As temperatures drop in winter, these pollutants become trapped, leading to the formation of smog.
In November 2019, the Supreme Court of India ordered the central government to install smog towers and anti-smog guns in Delhi-NCR to combat pollution. Smog towers are massive air purifiers capable of cleaning up to 32 million cubic meters of air per day. Delhi had previously conducted trial runs of anti-smog guns to assess their effectiveness.
The current lack of anti-smog gun implementation highlights the need for more stringent adherence to pollution control measures. Environmental experts stress that proactive steps are vital to prevent Gurugram's air quality from deteriorating further during the upcoming winter months.
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