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NCR States Sign MoUs for Dust Mitigation Through Road Greening & Paving

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav presided over the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding among NCR states and specialized institutes. The MoUs focus on implementing a standard framework for paving and greening urban roads to mitigate dust pollution. Yadav highlighted that dust is a major contributor to PM10 levels in the region and emphasized time-bound implementation with digital monitoring. The initiative involves coordinated efforts from state governments, CSIR-CRRI, and the School of Planning and Architecture.

Key Points: NCR States Ink MoUs for Dust Control on Urban Roads

  • MoUs signed for urban road paving & greening
  • Aims to control dust pollution in Delhi-NCR
  • Framework from CAQM guides implementation
  • Includes social impact evaluation & digital monitoring
2 min read

Bhupender Yadav steers MoUs among NCR states, institutes for dust mitigation

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav oversees MoUs between NCR states and institutes for paving and greening roads to combat dust pollution.

"Dust is a major contributor to PM10 pollution in the region. - Bhupender Yadav"

New Delhi, Feb 24

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday presided over the signing of MoUs among NCR states and specialised institutes for paving and greening of urban roads, said an official.

Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed among the Public Works Department (PWD)/Urban Development Departments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA).

The MoUs are in line with the standard framework for paving and greening of urban roads issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, the official said in a statement.

The framework aims to improve road cross-sections, right-of-way (RoW) utilisation, greening measures and road maintenance protocols across the NCR.

The need for such coordinated implementation has been emphasised in high-level review meetings to prepare structured action plans for control of dust from roads and open areas, the statement said.

Yadav said that air pollution remains a major challenge in the Delhi-NCR region and noted that the annual action plans of NCR states and their respective municipal corporations have been reviewed, with Delhi alone having 448 action points.

Highlighting the significant role of dust pollution, the Minister said that dust is a major contributor to PM10 pollution in the region.

He said that a special task force needs to be constituted to evaluate the social impact of the initiative, and roads most affected by traffic congestion and dust pollution should be scientifically mapped.

Emphasising the role of greening, Yadav said that bushes requiring less water should be planted in open areas, with around 30 suitable species already identified by the MoEFCC.

The Minister appreciated the coordinated efforts of CAQM, NCR state governments, CSIR-CRRI and SPA in advancing long-term structural measures for control of dust pollution from roads.

He emphasised the need for time-bound implementation and robust digital monitoring.

The CSIR-CRRI and SPA were requested to integrate greening components into their road design plans, he said, suggesting that such activities could be taken up under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the NCR.

The Minister added that the greening guidelines already issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) must be incorporated into development plans.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
MoUs are good on paper, but execution is everything. We've seen so many plans for air quality fail. The focus on low-water bushes is smart, given our water scarcity. Let's see if the PWDs actually change their road designs and maintenance protocols.
A
Aman W
Good step. But a special task force for "social impact"? Sounds like another committee that will delay things. Just get the greening done! Planting trees and maintaining roads shouldn't need so much evaluation. Action over analysis, please.
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Gurgaon for work, the air quality was a shock. Coordinating Delhi, Haryana, UP, and Rajasthan is a massive task, but it's the only way. Involving institutes like CRRI is promising for scientific solutions. Hope the digital monitoring is transparent.
K
Karthik V
The mention of CSR is interesting. If corporates in NCR take up road greening as part of their CSR, it could speed things up and bring in private efficiency. But the government must provide clear guidelines and oversight. Jai Hind!
M
Meera T
Dust is a huge problem for my kids' health. I appreciate the effort, but 448 action points for Delhi alone? That sounds overwhelming. They should publicly share a simple dashboard so citizens can track progress on key roads in their area. We need to breathe!

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