JMC Steps Up Drive to Combat Rising Air Pollution in Jammu
JAMMU: The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has intensified its measures to curb air pollution and ensure cleaner air for city residents, following a noticeable rise in the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. Acting under the directions of JMC Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav, the Corporation has launched a series of on-ground and regulatory initiatives to control dust and particulate emissions caused by vehicular movement and construction activities.
With Jammu’s AQI recently reaching 179 — a level categorized as unhealthy, the Corporation has taken swift action to mitigate the deteriorating air quality.
Commissioner Dr. Yadav has issued strict directives to all JMC wings to implement comprehensive anti-pollution measures. These include night-time mechanical sweeping of major roads to prevent dust dispersion and daytime water sprinkling across high-traffic corridors, market areas, and construction zones. The JMC is also deploying anti-smog guns mounted on vehicles to spray fine water mist, effectively reducing airborne dust particles.
To further control dust emissions from construction and demolition activities, all construction sites must now be enclosed with green sheets, jute fabric, or plastic covers of at least three meters in height. Construction materials such as sand, cement, and debris are required to be stored within premises and covered with tarpaulin, while storage on roads, footpaths, or open spaces has been strictly banned.
Vehicles carrying construction materials must be fully covered to prevent spillage during transit. Regular water sprinkling during loading and unloading operations has also been mandated. Field officers have been instructed to conduct surprise inspections to ensure compliance, with penalties ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹50,000 for violators, including contractors and agencies involved in improper waste handling.
In addition, JMC has intensified solid waste management and cleanliness operations across all zones. Door-to-door waste collection and scientific disposal are being enforced to eliminate open burning of garbage — a major contributor to air pollution. The Health and Sanitation Wing has been directed to maintain zero tolerance towards the burning of waste, dry leaves, or plastics.
Commissioner Dr. Yadav appealed to citizens, contractors, and developers to extend full cooperation in combating pollution, stressing that public participation is vital for achieving a cleaner and healthier environment. He urged residents to avoid open burning, plant more trees, and promptly report any incidents of waste burning or dust pollution to the Corporation.
These actions fall under JMC’s broader “Clean Jammu, Green Jammu” campaign, which focuses on sustainable, science-based, and community-driven approaches to improve air quality and promote environmental well-being.
Reaffirming JMC’s commitment, Dr. Yadav stated that the Corporation will continue its vigilant and sustained efforts until air quality levels return to safe standards. He emphasized that only collective action between the administration and the public can ensure a cleaner, greener, and healthier Jammu.
