Jamshedpur: Mechanised sweeping machines will be used to clean all Jamshedpur roads by the end of the year, a move that will ensure commuters are not exposed to dust pollution that is usually a byproduct of manual mop-up operations.
Jusco, the Tata Steel subsidiary that looks after civic needs of company command areas, has been using two mechanised sweeping machines on a pilot basis. It is hopeful of using them not only on main roads but also on arterial roads by the end of the year.
"We bought two from the reputed Italian firm, Dulevo International, which are basically mechanised sweeper and suction machines. We have been using them on a pilot basis for several months in prime commercial areas and important roads at Sakchi and Bistupur," said Jusco spokesperson Rajesh Rajan, adding that they were the only civic utilities company to introduce such machines.
Sources in the Jusco public health department said that each machine costs Rs 1.20 crore.
Jusco sources said the machines not only clean roads, but also use a suction device to mop up water from roads during monsoon. But the biggest advantage is their ability to absorb dust, as opposed to manual cleaning that leads to air pollution.
"The machine acts like a big vacuum cleaner and has the capacity to take in large-sized plastics and other waste that come up on roads after heavy rain. The waste is collected in a bin mounted on top. However, the biggest advantages is that it reduces dust pollution. It has sprinklers and brushes to collect dirt, sand, pebbles and leaves," the spokesperson added.
Mechanised sweeping also reduces the risk of manual sweepers getting hit by vehicles.
"During rush hour there is always the risk of manual sweepers being hit by speeding vehicles. However, this fear is negated while using mechanised sweepers. This apart, each mechanised sweeper covers more than 8km of a road in an hour which is not possible during manual sweeping," said Rajan.
Residents welcomed the move. "The initiative is laudable as there will be no dust pollution while cleaning and traffic will not be affected on busy roads," said Divesh Makhani, a resident of Sonari with a business outlet at Bistupur.
