changeadminAs part of the CAQM’s (Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas) ongoing enforcement actions to strengthen on-ground monitoring and intensification of dust mitigation measures under the statutory framework and the extant GRAP in force, 26 Flying Squads undertook a focused inspection drive across different regions of Delhi.
Dust pollution in Delhi is the most pervasive yet underestimated source of deteriorating air quality. The large sections of unpaved roads, under-construction buildings, and open material storage generate both coarse and fine particles, contributing to Delhi’s air pollution.
CAQM drive assessed visible dust accumulation along road stretches. It evaluated the effectiveness of cleaning, sweeping, and dust-suppression measures implemented by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
A total of 321 road stretches were inspected across the three agencies’ roads. As part of the consolidated inspection report, Geo-tagged, time-stamped photographic documentation was collected and submitted to the Commission.
According to the final compiled data, 35 road stretches exhibited high visible dust levels, 61 showed moderate dust levels, 94 recorded low dust levels, and 131 stretches showed no visible dust.
Under MCD, the highest number of inspected roads (182) had high visible dust intensity; 35 stretches had moderate, 70 had low, and 27 had none. The findings indicate the need to further strengthen MCD’s road-cleaning and mechanical sweeping operations, especially on stretches with recurring dust accumulation.
In contrast, the NDMC region showed better performance, with 133 road stretches inspected: 100 showed no visible dust, 24 recorded low dust, and 9 recorded moderate dust intensity, with no stretch falling in the high-dust intensity category.
Similarly, CPWD, with a smaller jurisdiction of 6 roads inspected, recorded no high-dust stretches, 2 with moderate visible dust, and 4 with no visible dust intensity. Their data reflects comparatively effective upkeep, though continued vigilance remains essential.
The Commission emphasised that road dust pollution in Delhi remains a major contributor to particulate matter levels, especially during the winter season.
It stressed the need for consistent mechanical sweeping, timely disposal of collected dust, proper pavement maintenance, and regular deployment of water-sprinkling/dust-suppression measures across all stretches maintained by these agencies.
Further, CAQM directed all agencies, particularly MCD, given the higher number of dust-affected stretches, to intensify cleaning operations, optimise mechanical sweeping schedules, and ensure strict adherence to the Commission’s dust-mitigation norms and Statutory Directions.
The Commission reiterated that such targeted inspection drives under Operation Clean Air will continue to ensure roads are clean, dust-free and compliant with norms through improved dust-control measures in the region.
Earlier in the month (November 19, 2025), the Supreme Court of India gave the CAQM a free hand to take “any proactive measure” to curb air pollution in Delhi. It is the government’s statutory body for better coordination, research, identification and resolution of air quality issues of Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas.
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