What Steps Did CAQM Take to Mitigate Dust on 133 Delhi Roads?
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Synopsis
On December 25, the CAQM inspected 133 road stretches in Delhi to evaluate the effectiveness of dust mitigation measures. The inspection revealed significant improvements in dust levels on DDA-maintained roads, while gaps in maintenance were noted for PWD roads. The CAQM emphasizes ongoing efforts to ensure clean air and road safety in the city.
Key Takeaways
- CAQM inspected 133 road stretches for dust mitigation effectiveness.
- Significant improvements were observed on DDA-maintained roads.
- Some PWD-maintained roads showed persistent high dust levels.
- Emphasis on mechanical sweeping and waste disposal is crucial.
- Ongoing inspections under ‘Operation Clean Air’ will continue.
New Delhi, Dec 25 (NationPress) The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the NCR and neighboring areas conducted an inspection initiative to evaluate the compliance and effectiveness of corrective actions implemented by road-maintaining agencies across 133 road stretches, as confirmed by an official on Thursday.
The inspection, carried out on Wednesday, was part of CAQM’s ongoing monitoring and enforcement efforts within the statutory framework and provisions of the existing Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), according to the official statement.
The inspection focused on assessing the buildup of visible road dust and the operational efficiency of Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs). It also aimed to identify instances of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) accumulation, Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste accumulation, and occurrences of open burning.
A total of 15 teams from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) were assigned to inspect 106 road stretches managed by the Public Works Department (PWD), while two teams from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) were tasked with re-inspecting 27 selected road stretches under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), as directed by the Commission.
Geo-tagged and time-stamped photographic documentation was collected and submitted to the Commission as part of a comprehensive inspection report.
During the re-inspection of the 27 road stretches maintained by DDA, which were previously reported to have high visible dust levels during inspections on December 12, it was noted that none of the stretches fell under the High Dust category on Wednesday.
Among these stretches, seven were found to have Moderate Dust levels, 19 recorded Low Dust intensity, and one stretch was reported to have No Visible Dust. “This indicates a significant improvement in the overall maintenance of these road stretches, showcasing the effectiveness of the corrective measures taken by the agency following the previous inspection by CAQM,” stated the report.
Simultaneously, the inspection of the 106 road stretches maintained by PWD revealed that 9 stretches exhibited High Visible Dust levels, 16 showed Moderate Dust, 37 recorded Low Dust intensity, and 44 stretches were found to have No Visible Dust.
On specific stretches with high dust intensity, the accumulation of MSW and C&D waste, along with instances of open burning, were reported, suggesting a need for enhanced on-ground enforcement and maintenance by the responsible agency, as noted in the statement.
The Commission remarked that while the re-inspection results for DDA-maintained road stretches reflect improvement and responsiveness to earlier directives, the inspection of PWD-maintained roads underscores persistent gaps in effective road upkeep and dust management, necessitating immediate and sustained corrective action.
The Commission stressed the importance of regular mechanical sweeping, timely removal and disposal of collected dust and waste, maintenance of road stretches and central verges, effective implementation of water sprinkling and dust-suppression measures, and the strict prevention of open burning across all stretches, as highlighted in the statement.
The Commission reiterated that targeted inspection and re-inspection activities under ‘Operation Clean Air’ will continue to be actively pursued to ensure strict compliance with its statutory directives for dust mitigation and prevention of open burning, aiming to maintain cleanliness and a dust-free environment on roads throughout Delhi.
Point of View
I recognize the critical role of ongoing inspections like those conducted by CAQM. It's essential that we prioritize clean air and effective waste management in urban areas. The improvement observed in DDA-maintained roads is promising, yet the persisting issues with PWD stretches underscore the need for continuous monitoring and action. Our commitment to public health and environmental quality remains paramount.
NationPress
25/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of CAQM's inspection?
The purpose of CAQM's inspection is to evaluate the compliance and effectiveness of dust mitigation measures implemented by road-maintaining agencies across various stretches in Delhi.
What were the findings during the inspection?
The findings indicated improvements in dust levels on DDA-maintained roads, while PWD-maintained roads exhibited persistent issues requiring immediate corrective action.
What measures are being emphasized by CAQM?
CAQM is emphasizing regular mechanical sweeping, timely disposal of waste, and strict enforcement against open burning to maintain clean air and road conditions.
