New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management’s 26 flying squads carried out an intensive inspection across Delhi on 29 November to evaluate dust mitigation efforts being undertaken by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Central Public Works Department (CPWD). The exercise examined visible dust accumulation and assessed the effectiveness of sweeping, cleaning and dust-suppression measures mandated under the statutory framework and the GRAP currently in force.

In all, 321 road stretches were inspected. Geo-tagged and time-stamped photographs were collected and submitted to the Commission as part of a consolidated report. Of the total stretches surveyed, 35 showed high dust levels, 61 moderate levels, 94 low dust intensity, and 131 had no visible dust.

MCD had the largest share of inspected stretches with 182 locations. Among these, 35 stretches showed high dust intensity, 50 moderate, 70 low and 27 had no visible dust. The Commission noted that MCD requires stronger cleaning and mechanical sweeping, particularly on stretches where dust continues to accumulate.

NDMC showed comparatively better upkeep. Out of 133 inspected stretches, 100 had no visible dust, 24 recorded low dust and 9 moderate dust intensity. None of the NDMC stretches fell in the high-dust category.

CPWD, which had six stretches under inspection, reported no high-dust locations. Two recorded moderate dust and four had no visible dust.

The Commission said road dust remains a major factor contributing to particulate matter levels in the city during winter. It called for regular mechanical sweeping, proper disposal of collected dust, maintenance of pavements and timely deployment of water-sprinkling and dust-suppression equipment.

CAQM directed all agencies, particularly MCD, to strengthen cleaning operations, refine sweeping schedules and ensure full compliance with dust-mitigation norms and statutory directions. It said that targeted inspection drives under Operation Clean Air will continue, with the aim of keeping Delhi’s roads clean, dust-free and compliant with prescribed measures.

BI Bureau