NDMC Chairman flags off 20 Gobbler Machines under the visionary initiative of creating a “Broom-Free City”,
Ø NDMC Advances towards a ‘Broom-Free City’ with Smart Cleaning Solutions.
Under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) flagship initiative aimed at achieving its area a “Broom Free City” through mechanized sanitation, the Chairman, NDMC – Shri Keshav Chandra flagged off 20 litter picking machines “Gobbler” today from Palika Kendra, New Delhi.
After flagging off the Gobblers, Chairman NDMC said that NDMC has taken a significant step towards modernizing urban sanitation with the deployment of advanced litter-picking machines under its ‘Broom-Free City’ initiative. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on manual sweeping by adopting smart, technology-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiency, improve worker safety, and promote sustainable urban practices.
While giving the outline details of the Gobblers, Shri Chandra said that as part of this initiative, 20 Litter Picker Machines (‘Gobbler’) have been deployed across NDMC areas, particularly focusing on markets and high-footfall zones. These battery-operated machines are designed to deliver efficient, low-noise, and eco-friendly cleaning of public spaces. The introduction of Gobbler machines marks a significant shift towards mechanized and contactless waste collection, enabling faster and more consistent cleaning operations.
He further informed that by minimizing direct human contact with waste, the machines significantly improve hygiene standards while reducing occupational health risks and physical strain on sanitation workers, thereby enhancing their safety and dignity. Their ability to operate efficiently in dense and busy areas ensures visible cleanliness and improved service delivery outcomes.
In addition to the deployment of Gobbler machines, NDMC has implemented a comprehensive and need-based mechanisation strategy to strengthen sanitation protocol across its jurisdiction. The mechanised cleaning framework follows a structured operational flow, beginning with leaf blowing using leaf blowers in horticulture areas, followed by manual sweeping and cleaning of streets and removal of collected horticulture waste.
This initiative subsequently followed by mechanised road sweeping (MRS) along major avenue roads to ensure large-scale uniform cleaning and dust removal. This is complemented by use of litter picker machines for final cleaning and high-pressure jetting for dust suppression. Deep cleaning of markets, corridors, plazas, footpaths, and kerb-side areas are being cleaned cyclically every 15 days.
In terms of deployment, 7 mechanised road sweepers (MRS) are operational, covering approximately 350-400 km of road length in day and night shifts; 10 high-pressure jetting machines are engaged for intensive cleaning; and 20 Gobbler machines are deployed for litter collection in markets and surrounding areas.
Additionally, electric e-carts facilitate segregated waste collection of prominent public spaces such as Connaught Place, Khan Market, and Sarojini Nagar, while 27 wet mopping trolleys are used for daily wet cleaning of market areas.
Further, 29 pushback/manual sweepers are deployed in smaller lanes, bye lanes, and colonies where mechanised access is limited. The inclusion of 4 ride-on sweepers and 4 scrubbers ensures dedicated mechanised coverage of footpaths, improving cleanliness in pedestrian-heavy areas. This integrated, technology-driven approach ensures optimal sequencing of activities, efficient resource utilization, and sustained improvement in cleanliness outcomes across NDMC areas.
Through these initiatives, NDMC aims to set new benchmarks in urban sanitation by integrating innovative technologies with sustainable practices, reinforcing its commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and more modern New Delhi.
