New Delhi, July 11: In an ongoing effort to reduce air pollution and manage dust in the Delhi-NCR region, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has launched a special inspection campaign under “Operation Clean Air” in Noida and Greater Noida. This initiative aims to better implement measures for urban road infrastructure improvement.
The CAQM reported that the inspection was conducted to evaluate the status of road reconstruction works as per the standard framework issued by the commission. A team of four flying squads was deployed to inspect roads under the jurisdiction of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) and the Noida Authority.
The inspection covered approximately 46.87 kilometers of 17 roads, including 11 under GNIDA and 6 under the Noida Authority. These roads varied in “Right of Way” (ROW) categories, including widths of 10 to 15 meters and over 15 meters.
During the inspection, it was found that 9 roads (5 under GNIDA and 4 under the Noida Authority) had complete paving, indicating compliance with the standards set by the commission. However, 8 roads (6 under GNIDA and 2 under the Noida Authority) were noted to lack complete paving.
Additionally, the inspection revealed unpaved or missing sidewalks along 8 roads (6 under GNIDA and 2 under the Noida Authority), while 5 roads (3 under GNIDA and 2 under the Noida Authority) had unpaved central verges, highlighting the need for further improvements as per the established framework.
The commission observed significant progress in the reconstruction of urban roads but emphasized the need for timely attention to remaining deficiencies to ensure full compliance with the standard framework. Effective control of emissions from road dust, a major contributor to particulate air pollution in urban areas, requires complete paving, proper sidewalks, and the development of central verges.
The commission stated that properly paving roads and associated pathways plays a crucial role in reducing dust resuspension caused by vehicle movement and enhancing the effectiveness of other dust control measures. Relevant authorities have been instructed to expedite remaining redevelopment works and ensure regular maintenance.
Moreover, the commission stressed the importance of implementing the standard framework by all agencies responsible for road maintenance in Delhi-NCR to achieve long-term reductions in road dust. Inspections under “Operation Clean Air” will continue to monitor the ground-level implementation of various measures to control air pollution and ensure timely corrective actions wherever necessary.
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