Did CAQM Inspect 142 Roads in Noida for Dust Control?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has launched an inspection initiative in Noida to evaluate the effectiveness of road cleaning, mechanical sweeping, and overall maintenance of roads overseen by the Noida Authority. This effort is part of the ongoing monitoring and enforcement actions aligned with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), according to an official statement released on Tuesday.
The inspection took place on Monday across 142 road segments under the Noida Authority's management. The primary goal was to assess the implementation of dust control measures and identify issues such as visible road dust, municipal solid waste (MSW) accumulation, construction and demolition (C&D) waste, and instances of open burning.
Ten teams, which included personnel from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and the CAQM flying squad, were tasked with conducting the inspections. They gathered geo-tagged and time-stamped photographic evidence, which was compiled into a comprehensive inspection report for the Commission.
The results were fairly positive; among the 142 stretches inspected, only four displayed high visible dust levels, while 24 were found to have moderate dust, 66 exhibited low dust intensity, and 48 had no visible dust at all.
The few stretches with significant dust levels were often linked to MSW and/or C&D waste accumulation, particularly in areas like under flyovers, Metro corridors, and specific main roads. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted actions to manage dust and waste effectively.
The CAQM stressed the importance of ongoing and intensified efforts, especially at sensitive spots, through regular mechanical cleaning, timely waste collection and disposal, effective water sprinkling, and strict measures against waste dumping and open burning.
Inspection and enforcement efforts under ‘Operation Clean Air’ will be routinely conducted across the NCR to ensure adherence to regulations and GRAP guidelines for dust management and the prevention of open burning. The CAQM reiterated its commitment to collaborating closely with all relevant agencies in the NCR to maintain clean, green, and dust-free roads in the area.