CAQM fnds heavy dust on key delhi stretches

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has found a wide gap in Delhi’s basic road cleanliness. The commission highlighted an old but stubborn problem: dust on streets that millions use every day. In a special inspection under Operation Clean Air, the Commission’s Flying Squads checked 321 road stretches across the city on 29 November and recorded 35 spots with high dust levels. Most of these were under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

The findings come at a time when winter pollution is already rising. Road dust is one of the biggest contributors to particulate matter. The inspection shows that while NDMC and CPWD areas performed far better, most dust-heavy stretches were inside MCD’s limits. The contrast has raised fresh questions about uneven civic management in the capital.

The 26 Flying Squads carried out geo-tagged and time-stamped inspections across Delhi. They documented each stretch and sent a consolidated report to the Commission. Among the 321 roads checked, 131 were clean, 94 had low dust, 61 had moderate dust, and 35 showed heavy dust.

MCD had the largest share of inspected roads. Out of 182 stretches, 35 were high-dust hotspots. 50 recorded moderate dust, 70 showed low dust, and only 27 had no visible dust. Officials said that repeated dust build-up on several MCD roads means the civic body must step up mechanical sweeping, water sprinkling, and day-to-day cleaning. The Commission noted that the gaps are not new and that they appear despite repeated warnings.

The contrast within the capital was sharp. NDMC, which manages the Lutyens zone and some central pockets, showed far better upkeep. 133 NDMC roads were inspected, of which 100 were dust-free.  24 stretches showed low dust, and nine had moderate dust. Not a single road fell in the high dust category. CPWD also recorded clean results on its smaller network of six roads. It had no high dust points, two moderate ones, and four clean stretches.

For residents, the findings reflect what many experience every morning. A clean road in one area turns into a dust cloud a few kilometres away. The Commission said that such patchy work weakens the overall fight against pollution. With winter setting in and winds slowing down, dust settles on roads faster and stays longer, making regular cleaning essential. The Commission said that agencies must also improve pavement upkeep. Broken kerbs, unpaved edges, and loose soil make dust control harder. The report points out that sweeping alone is not enough without proper dust disposal.

Dust left on the sides or stored in open spaces blows back into the air.

After reviewing the results, the Commission directed all agencies to strengthen their cleaning schedules. It asked MCD in particular to intensify operations and follow all dust mitigation norms and statutory directions. More mechanical sweepers, better route planning, and frequent water sprinkling are among the measures expected.

Officials said that Operation Clean Air inspections will continue through winter. The Commission believes that regular checks are needed because dust accumulation can return quickly, especially on busy roads. Agencies will have to submit compliance reports and photographic records after every round.

For city residents tired of pollution alerts, the new findings will feel familiar. Yet, the sharp difference between NDMC and MCD areas shows that cleaner roads are possible when upkeep is steady. The question is whether MCD can catch up fast enough before winter pollution peaks again.

The Commission said the aim is simple. Delhi’s roads must be clean and dust-free. But the latest report shows that the city’s everyday battle with dust is far from over.