Pollution woes in Delhi: CAQM flying squads inspect 321 roads across city

The drive was aimed at assessing visible dust accumulation on road stretches and evaluating the effectiveness of cleaning, sweeping and dust-suppression measures being implemented by the MCD, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).

“Under MCD, which had the highest number of inspected roads (182), 35 stretches reflected high level of visible dust intensity, 50 were moderate, 70 had low, and 27 stretches recorded no visible dust. The findings indicate the need for further strengthening of MCD’s road-cleaning and mechanical sweeping operations, especially on stretches with recurring dust accumulation,” a statement read.

Meanwhile, regions under the NDMC reflected relatively better conditions. As 133 road stretches were inspected, 100 showed no visible dust, 24 recorded low dust, and 9 moderate dust intensity — with no stretch falling in the high-dust intensity category.

Similarly, as six roads falling under the CPWD were inspected, two had moderate visible dust, and four no visible dust intensity. None of the stretches under the CPWD had high-dust intensity.

The CAQM has directed all agencies, particularly the MCD, to intensify cleaning operations, and to optimise mechanical sweeping schedule.