During an inspection drive in Delhi’s Civil Lines and Karol Bagh areas, five flying squads of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) detected 34 instances of visible road dust violations. The violations were observed on various road stretches, including Mahakavi Goswami Tulsidas Marg, Keshopur Road, Najafgarh Road, and others. These violations mainly involved high levels of visible road dust and the accumulation of construction and demolition waste.
The inspection teams found gaps in routine road sweeping, dust mitigation measures, and timely waste removal, which are crucial for reducing local air pollution sources. The CAQM has instructed authorities, especially the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), to enhance the implementation of dust control measures. This includes ensuring regular mechanized road sweeping, effective water sprinkling, prompt waste removal, and strict action against unauthorized dumping.
Road dust and poorly managed construction and demolition waste significantly contribute to particulate pollution, particularly in urban areas. The Commission has urged agencies to take a proactive and sustained approach, emphasizing accountability for shortcomings, improved monitoring, and strict adherence to guidelines. Regular inspection and enforcement drives under ‘Operation Clean Air’ will continue in Delhi-NCR to address local air pollution sources.
The Commission will maintain close coordination with all agencies to ensure compliance with statutory directions and effective implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. The GRAP comprises emergency measures to combat air pollution based on Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
