Eight teams appointed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) discovered 102 instances of road dust violations in Greater Noida. The violations were spotted on various types of roads, including internal roads, sector roads, and major corridors like Beta, Delta, Alpha, Gamma, Eta, Sigma, Omicron, Zeta, Ecotech, Knowledge Park, and Techzone. These 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 efficiency of road-cleaning activities on stretches maintained by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA).
The inspection aimed to assess the practical implementation of dust control measures and identify areas needing immediate corrective action. A statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change revealed that the teams surveyed 35 locations under GNIDA’s jurisdiction, examining multiple arterial and internal roads. Geo-tagged and time-stamped photos were taken and submitted to the Commission as part of a comprehensive inspection report.
The review exposed persistent concerns regarding visible road dust at various spots in Greater Noida. Across the inspected regions, a total of 102 instances of road dust violations were documented. The report emphasized the necessity to enhance mechanical sweeping, increase the frequency of water sprinkling, ensure prompt removal and proper disposal of dust and debris, and enhance the upkeep of roadsides, central verges, and adjacent areas. Inadequate sweeping, heavy vehicle movement, and poor maintenance of road margins were identified as factors contributing to dust accumulation in many locations.
The CAQM instructed GNIDA and relevant authorities to promptly address issues at all identified sites and ensure strict adherence to the Commission’s directives and GRAP measures. It emphasized the need for robust enforcement, proper utilization of mechanical road sweeping machines, continuous performance monitoring, and establishing accountability for any shortcomings. Operation Clean Air will persist in conducting inspection and enforcement drives across the NCR to mitigate dust effectively and prevent air quality degradation caused by road dust emissions. The CAQM, in collaboration with concerned agencies, is diligently working to ensure clean, well-maintained, and dust-free roads throughout the region.
