CAQM reviews dust mitigation step on Gurugram roads
Gurugram, Dec 27
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas reviewed dust mitigation steps, road-cleaning and sweeping operations and upkeep of road stretches maintained by the Municipal Corporation Gurugram, an official said on Saturday.
The inspection was done on Friday as part of its continuous monitoring and enforcement efforts under the statutory framework of the extant Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), with the objective of evaluating on-ground compliance with dust mitigation measures and identifying associated issues such as accumulation of road dust, municipal solid waste, construction and demolition (C&D) waste and instances of open burning.
A total of 17 inspection teams, comprising 15 teams of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) and two teams of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), were directed by the Commission for inspection of 125 road stretches under the jurisdiction of MCG in Gurugram.
Geo-tagged and time-stamped photographic documentation was collected by the inspection teams and submitted to the Commission as part of the consolidated inspection report.
The findings of the inspection revealed that out of the 125 road stretches inspected, 34 stretches exhibited high visible dust levels, 58 stretches showed moderate dust, 29 stretches recorded low dust intensity, while only four stretches were found to have no visible dust, a statement said.
A large number of stretches with high visible dust were also found to have significant accumulation of municipal solid waste and C&D waste, along with multiple instances of open burning, indicating serious deficiencies in routine road maintenance, waste management and enforcement at the field level.
Several road stretches across different wards and sectors of Gurugram, including residential colonies, internal roads and arterial stretches, were identified with persistent dust accumulation and waste dumping, the statement added.
The presence of open burning and unmanaged waste on multiple stretches further aggravated the dust conditions, highlighting the need for immediate corrective measures and strengthened supervision by the concerned agency.
The Commission observed that the overall inspection results point towards the need for significant strengthening of on-ground operations by MCG, particularly with respect to regular mechanical sweeping, timely lifting and scientific disposal of collected dust and waste, active water sprinkling and dust-suppression measures, and strict prevention of open burning.
The Commission emphasised that sustained and focused efforts are essential to ensure visible improvement in road conditions and to prevent re-accumulation of dust and waste.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Living in Sector 45, the dust is unbearable. Every time a vehicle passes, a cloud follows. The waste dumping on internal roads makes it worse. Good that CAQM is reviewing, but we need action, not just more reports and geo-tagged photos. Start penalizing the contractors who don't do their job! 🙏
The problem is systemic. Mechanical sweepers are rarely seen, and water sprinkling is just a token activity before some VIP visit. The MCG needs to hire more staff and equip them properly. Also, citizens need to be more responsible – stop throwing C&D waste on roadsides!
As an expat living here, the air quality is a major concern. It's good to see data-driven inspection (34 high dust, 58 moderate...). This transparency is the first step. Hope the "immediate corrective measures" are actually implemented. Public health should be the top priority.
Open burning is the biggest culprit after dust! People burn leaves and garbage daily in my area. MCG needs to launch a massive awareness campaign and have quick-response teams to fine offenders. We can't just blame authorities; public participation is key. Jai Hind!
Honestly, what is the point of these reviews? Every winter we get the same news. The air turns toxic, authorities "review" and "direct," and nothing changes. We need a permanent solution with strict timelines. My family is considering moving out of Gurugram because of this. 😔
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