Did CAQM Teams Uncover 102 Road Dust Violations in Greater Noida?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 29 (NationPress) Eight teams formed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) uncovered 102 instances of road dust violations in Greater Noida, with officials indicating that the issue continues to be a major concern at numerous locations, as reported on Thursday.
The violations were detected on various internal roads, sector roads, and significant corridors, including Beta, Delta, Alpha, Gamma, Eta, Sigma, Omicron, Zeta, Ecotech, Knowledge Park, and Techzone, as well as on multiple 60-m, 80-m, and 130-m-wide roads connecting key junctions and rotaries, according to an official statement.
The eight teams, comprising three from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and five from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), were assigned to evaluate visible road dust and the effectiveness of road-cleaning and sweeping on sections maintained by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA).
This inspection aimed to assess the practical implementation of dust control measures and identify gaps that require immediate corrective action, as stated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The teams examined 35 locations under GNIDA’s authority and inspected various arterial and internal roads. Geo-tagged and time-stamped photographs were collected and submitted to the Commission as part of the comprehensive inspection report.
The inspection revealed that visible road dust remains a pressing issue at multiple sites in Greater Noida. A total of 102 instances of road dust violations were documented across the inspected regions.
These findings underscore the necessity to enhance mechanical sweeping, increase the frequency of water sprinkling, ensure timely removal and scientific disposal of dust and debris, and improve the maintenance of road sides, central verges, and adjacent areas. In several places, dust accumulation was attributed to insufficient sweeping, heavy vehicle movement, and poor housekeeping of road margins.
The CAQM has instructed GNIDA and relevant agencies to take prompt corrective measures at all identified locations and ensure strict adherence to the Commission’s statutory directions and GRAP measures.
The Commission emphasized the importance of stronger enforcement and supervision, appropriate deployment of mechanical road sweeping machines, continuous performance monitoring, and accountability for shortcomings.
Inspection and enforcement initiatives under Operation Clean Air will persist across the NCR to ensure effective dust control and prevent air quality degradation due to road dust emissions.
The CAQM is actively collaborating with all relevant agencies to guarantee clean, well-maintained, and dust-free roads in the region.