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Key Points

The CAQM has joined forces with CRRI and SPA to tackle Delhi-NCR's persistent dust pollution through scientific road redevelopment. Nine heavily urbanized cities will see upgraded roads with greening solutions and modern construction tech in the first phase. A dedicated monitoring cell and real-time dashboard will ensure data-driven implementation of dust control measures. This collaboration marks a significant step toward cleaner air through sustainable urban planning.

Key Points: CAQM Signs MoU With CRRI and SPA to Cut Delhi-NCR Road Dust

  • Tripartite MoU targets dust pollution via urban road upgrades
  • Nine NCR cities prioritized for phase-one implementation
  • Project Monitoring Cell to oversee sustainable road redesign
  • Web-GIS dashboard to track progress of dust-reduction measures
2 min read

CAQM signs MoU to reduce dust pollution via urban road redevelopment

CAQM partners with CRRI and SPA to redevelop urban roads in 9 NCR cities, targeting dust pollution via greening and modern tech.

"Transforming urban roads through scientific design and greening is key to abating dust pollution – CAQM Official Release"

New Delhi, June 10

In a major step towards combating road dust pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), on Tuesday, signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in New Delhi.

According to an official release, the collaboration aims at the effective implementation of the Standard Framework for redevelopment of urban roads including paving and greening of pathways and sidewalks, towards abatement of dust pollution across Delhi-NCR.

The tripartite MoU aims for facilitation by CSIR-CRRI and SPA, New Delhi for setting up a Project Monitoring Cell (PMC) at CAQM and operationalization of the same. The PMC shall oversee and support the phased implementation of the framework in NCR States for effective development/ redevelopment of roads aligned with broad elements of the framework.

In the first phase, the Commission in due consultations with NCR State Governments & GNCTD, has taken up nine highly urbanized / industrialized cities of NCR, namely, Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi and Neemrana, the release stated.

The collaboration leverages the domain expertise of CSIR-CRRI in road standardization/ engineering, construction and asset management and that of SPA in sustainable urban planning and greening solutions along these roads.

The Standard Framework encompasses--Cross Section design for different types of Roads and width of Right of Way (ROW), Mitigation of Road Dust within the Right-of-way through Greening Measures, Web-GIS-based Road Asset Management System (RAMS) for effective road maintenance regime, and Adoption of new technologies in road construction and maintenance.

As per the release, under the MoU, CSIR-CRRI and SPA would provide institutional support and technical guidance to the PMC being setup at CAQM. CRRI and SPA will support CAQM inter-alia in providing guidance in setting up the PMC, suggesting suitable manpower requirement for the same and guiding the hired resources in monitoring the development/ redevelopment of roads on the Standard Framework. A dedicated dashboard will also be created to ensure data-driven tracking and monitoring of specific road projects.

Transforming urban roads through scientific design, sustainable greening, and modern technologies is one of the key long term solutions for abating dust pollution from the roads and improvement of air quality in the region.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some concrete action on Delhi's dust pollution! The PMC monitoring idea is good but implementation is key. Hope they don't just focus on main roads but also smaller lanes where dust is worst. 🤞
P
Priya M.
As a Gurugram resident, I welcome this initiative. Our roads are dusty all year round. The greening measures sound promising but will they maintain these plants properly? Past experiences make me skeptical.
A
Amit S.
Good step but what about accountability? Every year crores are spent but pollution remains same. The dashboard should be made public so citizens can track progress. Transparency is must for such projects.
N
Neha T.
Why only 9 cities? What about other NCR areas like Bahadurgarh or Meerut? Dust pollution doesn't recognize city boundaries. The approach should be more comprehensive. Still, better late than never!
V
Vikram J.
The tech solutions sound impressive but let's not forget basics. First fix the potholes and broken footpaths, then talk about GIS and modern technologies. Our cities need practical solutions, not just fancy terms.
S
Sunita R.
As someone who suffers from asthma, I truly hope this brings change. The dust in Noida is unbearable. The greening measures should include native plants that survive Delhi's extreme weather. 🌱

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