New Delhi – The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas carried out a comprehensive inspection of road stretches maintained by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to assess compliance with dust mitigation measures and evaluate corrective actions undertaken by the agencies. The inspections form part of CAQM’s ongoing enforcement efforts under the statutory framework and the provisions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), aimed at improving air quality across the capital region.

Officials said the inspection drive deployed 15 teams from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to examine 106 PWD-maintained road stretches, while two teams from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) conducted re-inspection of 27 DDA-maintained stretches previously flagged for high visible dust levels. Geo-tagged and time-stamped photographic documentation was collected for all stretches and submitted to the Commission as part of a consolidated inspection report.

The inspections focused on evaluating the accumulation of visible road dust, operational efficiency of mechanical sweeping machines, and identification of municipal solid waste, construction and demolition (C&D) debris, and instances of open burning along the roadways.

Findings from DDA Road Stretches
The re-inspection of the 27 DDA-maintained stretches showed significant improvement in overall cleanliness. None of the stretches were classified under high visible dust levels. Seven stretches recorded moderate dust, 19 stretches were at low dust intensity, and one stretch had no visible dust at all. A CAQM official stated, “This indicates marked improvement in the upkeep of these road stretches, reflecting the impact of corrective measures undertaken by the agency following the earlier inspections.”

Findings from PWD Road Stretches
In contrast, inspections of 106 PWD-maintained stretches revealed persisting issues. Nine stretches exhibited high visible dust levels, 16 showed moderate dust accumulation, 37 recorded low dust intensity, and 44 stretches had no visible dust. In stretches with high dust levels, inspectors also noted the presence of municipal solid waste and C&D debris, along with instances of open burning, highlighting the need for strengthened on-ground enforcement and consistent maintenance.

CAQM Observations and Recommendations
The commission observed that while DDA stretches showed responsiveness to prior directions, PWD-maintained roads still displayed gaps in effective dust control and upkeep. The official emphasized the need for regular mechanical sweeping, timely collection and disposal of dust and waste, proper maintenance of road surfaces and central verges, and the deployment of water sprinkling and other dust-suppression techniques.

The official added, “Strict measures must be taken to prevent open burning across all road stretches. Persistent non-compliance undermines efforts to control air pollution and adversely affects public health in the region.”

CAQM’s inspections are part of broader regulatory measures to curb particulate matter pollution in the national capital, especially during winter months when pollution tends to spike. Effective implementation of road maintenance and dust mitigation strategies is critical, given that road dust and construction-related activities contribute significantly to Delhi’s particulate matter load.

The commission reiterated the importance of accountability and timely corrective action by road-maintaining agencies to meet air quality targets. Continued monitoring and enforcement will ensure that agencies adhere to the GRAP framework and contribute to sustainable improvements in Delhi’s air quality.