The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas carried out its third road-inspection drive, with 22 flying squads checked dust buildup on major roads as part of ongoing monitoring and enforcement under the current GRAP rules.

The inspection focused on road stretches managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Rohini Zone. The teams checked how well these roads were cleaned, maintained and weather dust-control measures were being used in 79 locations. Roads previously inspected under MCD and NDMC were rechecked to assess the effectiveness of follow-up actions.

According to the compiled data, of the 79 stretches inspected, 15 showed high visible dust levels, 36 moderate, 22 low, and 6 had no visible dust. Geo-tagged and time-stamped photographs were submitted as part of the report.

DDA had the highest number of inspected roads with total 57. Out of these, 12 had high dust, 27 moderates, 16 had low and 2 showed no visible dust. The findings indicate that DDA has to enhance the cleanliness of roads and mechanical sweeping on roads where dust is accumulating repeatedly.

For DMRC, out of 10 road stretches inspected, 2 showed no visible dust, 3 low dust, and 4 moderate levels, while none were recorded in the high-dust category. In case of DSIIDC, out of 12 stretches inspected, 2 recorded no visible dust, 3 low dust, 4 moderate dust, and 3 high dusts. Agencies were advised to maintain close vigil and ensure regular dust-control measures.

Re-inspection of the MCD and NDMC roads reflects a reduction of almost 50% in high-dust intensity stretches as corrective measures were undertaken by MCD. However, out of 35 MCD stretches, which were re-inspected, 18 remain in the high-dust category. The single NDMC stretch, which was also re-inspected, continued in the high-dust category. The Commission said both agencies must strengthen mitigation efforts related to dust and follow compliance issues consistently.

The Commission also noticed that the road dust continues to contribute to particulate pollution in Delhi. It drew attention to the continuance of regular mechanical sweeping, timely removal of collected dust, proper maintenance of road shoulders and central verges, and continued use of water-sprinkling and dust-suppression systems.

CAQM mentioned that the focused site inspections under "Operation Clean Air" will carry on with ensuring compliance to dust-control norms and statutory directions for keeping the stretches in Delhi cleaner and more compliant with regulatory requirements.