Delhi: CAQM Flags DDA's 'Recurring Negligence' as Inspections Find High Dust Levels, Waste-Burning

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has strongly criticized the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for repeated failures in maintaining roads under its jurisdiction, which is contributing to the city's air pollution crisis. Recent inspections conducted by CAQM teams revealed alarmingly high dust levels, significant waste accumulation, and instances of waste burning across numerous road stretches managed by the DDA.

As part of its 'Operation Clean Air' initiative, the CAQM deployed 19 teams, comprising officers from its flying squads and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), to inspect roads maintained by the DDA on December 12. A total of 136 road stretches throughout Delhi were examined during this operation. The inspection teams collected geo-tagged and time-stamped photographs as evidence, which were then submitted to the Commission in a consolidated report.

The findings of the inspection revealed that 15 road stretches exhibited high levels of visible dust, while 38 stretches had moderate dust levels. Additionally, the teams found municipal solid waste (MSW) accumulated on 55 road stretches and construction and demolition (C&D) waste on 53 stretches. Evidence of MSW or biomass burning was also reported at six locations. The CAQM noted that these observations indicate significant gaps in the DDA's upkeep and stressed that such negligence directly impacts the levels of particulate matter in Delhi's air.

The CAQM has emphasized the need for stronger on-the-ground measures, including regular mechanical sweeping, prompt disposal of collected dust, proper maintenance of road shoulders and central verges, and the wider use of water sprinkling and dust-suppression systems. The commission also called for targeted action to curb the open burning of waste across all stretches maintained by the DDA.

Earlier in the month, the DDA was identified as the "top violator" during a previous CAQM inspection drive, with high dust levels detected on 12 out of 57 stretches surveyed in Rohini. In that inspection, 79 road stretches maintained by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), and the DDA were assessed. The CAQM had then stated that the DDA's mechanical sweeping and road-cleaning efforts "need to be strengthened," particularly on stretches where dust tends to accumulate frequently.

The current air quality in Delhi remains in the "severe" category, with the overall AQI standing at 458 as of Sunday morning. This критическое situation has prompted the CAQM to invoke Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR. The Commission has directed the DDA to take immediate and effective steps to address these issues and improve its operational efficiency in combating air pollution.