CAQM flags gaps in dust control after inspecting 136 DDA road stretches across Delhi
The exercise focused on assessing visible dust accumulation, municipal solid waste, construction and demolition waste, and instances of open burning of waste or biomass along the inspected stretches.
New Delhi, December 15: The Commission for Air Quality Management in Delhi NCR and adjoining areas has identified significant gaps in road maintenance and dust mitigation across Delhi after inspecting 136 road stretches maintained by the Delhi Development Authority.
The inspections were carried out on December 12 by 19 teams comprising officers from CAQM flying squads and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, as part of the commission’s monitoring and enforcement actions under the Graded Response Action Plan currently in force.
The exercise focused on assessing visible dust accumulation, municipal solid waste, construction and demolition waste, and instances of open burning of waste or biomass along the inspected stretches. Geo-tagged and time-stamped photographs were submitted as part of a consolidated inspection report.
According to the compiled findings, 15 road stretches recorded high levels of visible dust, while 38 showed moderate dust accumulation. Sixty-one stretches had low dust levels and 22 were found to be free of visible dust. Accumulation of municipal solid waste was reported on 55 stretches, while construction and demolition waste was observed on 53 stretches. Evidence of municipal solid waste or biomass burning was found at six locations.
The commission said the findings indicate recurring negligence and shortcomings in the upkeep of several stretches and highlighted the need for the DDA to strengthen operational efficiency and implement consistent and timely dust mitigation measures.
CAQM emphasised that such lapses contribute directly to elevated particulate matter levels in Delhi and called for intensified on-ground action. These include regular mechanical sweeping, prompt disposal of collected dust, maintenance of road shoulders and central verges, deployment of water sprinkling and dust suppression systems, and strict prevention of open burning.
The commission reiterated that targeted inspection drives under ‘Operation Clean Air’ will continue to ensure compliance with statutory directions on dust control and waste management, with the objective of keeping Delhi’s road network clean, dust-free and aligned with regulatory requirements.
