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Delhi's Dirty Roads: CAQM Inspection Reveals High Dust and Waste-Burning Crisis

A recent inspection by air quality authorities has uncovered significant pollution problems on Delhi's roads. Teams found high dust levels on numerous stretches and evidence of open waste burning. The report points to clear gaps and negligence in maintaining these areas. It calls for urgent corrective measures from the DDA to control dust and prevent burning.

Key Points: CAQM Finds High Dust Levels and Waste Burning on Delhi Roads

  • 15 road stretches exhibited high levels of visible dust during the inspection drive
  • 55 stretches had accumulated municipal solid waste, while 53 had construction debris
  • Six locations showed evidence of open burning of waste or biomass
  • The Commission emphasized the need for regular mechanical sweeping and dust-suppression systems
2 min read

CAQM inspection finds high dust levels, waste-burning

A CAQM inspection drive found high dust levels and open waste burning on DDA roads, highlighting gaps in Delhi's pollution control measures.

"The above-stated observations clearly indicate evident gaps and recurring negligence in the upkeep of the concerned stretches. - CAQM Release"

New Delhi, December 14

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) deployed 19 teams for a road-inspection drive on December 12.

A total of 136 road stretches within the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) jurisdiction were inspected across Delhi. It was conducted as part of the Commission's ongoing monitoring and enforcement under the statutory framework and provisions of the extant GRAP, according to a release.

This focused exercise aimed to assess the accumulation of visible dust, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), and Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste on roads, as well as cases of open burning of MSW/biomass, across the specified road stretches. The deployed teams included Officers from CAQM Flying Squads and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

Geo-tagged, time-stamped photographs were collected and submitted to the Commission as part of the consolidated inspection report. According to the final compiled data, 15 road stretches exhibited high visible dust levels, 38 showed moderate dust, 61 recorded low dust intensity, and 22 stretches had no visible dust. Road stretches with accumulation of MSW and C&D waste were reported to be 55 and 53, respectively. 6 stretches were reported to have evidence of MSW/ Biomass burning, the release said.

The above-stated observations clearly indicate evident gaps and recurring negligence in the upkeep of the concerned stretches. It brought to the fore a need for DDA to enhance its operational efficiency and take prompt corrective measures through consistent and timely dust mitigation interventions. The agency also needs to deliver improved compliance across all road stretches for MSW/ Biomass burning, it was highlighted.

The Commission observed that these kinds of incidents impact particulate matter levels in Delhi and emphasised the need for strengthened on-ground action, including regular mechanical sweeping, timely disposal of collected dust, maintenance of road shoulders and central verges in addition to deployment of water-sprinkling/ dust-suppression systems and focused action(s) for prevention of open burning cases across all stretches maintained by DDA.

The Commission reiterated that such targeted inspection exercises under 'Operation Clean Air' will continue to ensure strict adherence to its Statutory Directions for dust control, interventions for open burning of MSW/ Biomass, with the objective of keeping road stretches across Delhi clean, free from dust and open burning, and compliant with regulatory measures in the region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Every winter it's the same story. Inspections happen, reports are made, and then nothing changes. The air quality becomes unbearable. When will we see real, on-ground improvement? We need a permanent solution, not just seasonal drives. 😔
R
Rohit P
Good that CAQM is doing these inspections. But 55 stretches with solid waste and 53 with construction waste? That's shockingly high. DDA should outsource this work to efficient private agencies if they can't handle it. Public health is at stake.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Delhi for work, the air quality is my biggest concern. It's encouraging to see data-driven inspections. I hope this leads to targeted cleaning. The mechanical sweepers and water sprinklers need to be deployed round the year, not just before inspections.
V
Vikram M
The problem is also with us citizens. We see people burning waste in the open, throwing garbage on roads. While DDA must improve, we also need public awareness campaigns. Jaan hai toh jahaan hai. We all have a role to play in keeping Delhi clean.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the criticism of DDA in the article is valid but misses a key point. They are likely understaffed and underfunded for the scale of Delhi. The solution requires a multi-agency approach with MCD and others, not just pointing fingers at one body. More budget allocation is needed.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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