The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed Delhi government agencies to intensify action against dust pollution, placing particular responsibility on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and agencies overseeing construction activity. The directions followed a review meeting held on Wednesday as air quality in Delhi-NCR deteriorated into the ‘poor’ category and the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-1) came into force.
According to a report by Jagran, the meeting brought together CAQM and various departments and agencies of the Delhi government to assess the rising dust problem and improve coordination on pollution-control measures. The commission instructed agencies to comply strictly with its statutory directions issued from time to time.
The MCD has been asked to strengthen dust-control measures on roads and open plots within its jurisdiction with immediate effect. These areas can become significant sources of airborne dust when surfaces remain exposed, particularly around roadworks, excavation sites and undeveloped land. The directions place the responsibility for enforcement on the agencies responsible for these areas.
CAQM also expressed concern over construction projects where prescribed dust-mitigation measures were reportedly not being implemented. The commission specifically referred to the need for wind barriers and dust screens at construction sites. It also highlighted lapses during excavation work, which can allow loose soil and construction material to become airborne.
The directions apply not only to project promoters but also to government departments and implementing agencies involved in construction. CAQM has asked the relevant authorities to take prompt action in identified cases of dust pollution. Officials, project promoters and execution agencies found violating the prescribed measures may face stringent penal action, according to the report.
The enforcement push comes alongside the implementation of GRAP-1 across Delhi-NCR after the Air Quality Index reached the ‘poor’ category. The first stage of the plan introduces restrictions intended to reduce additional emissions during deteriorating air-quality conditions. The report said the use of coal and firewood in tandoors at hotels, restaurants and open eateries has been completely prohibited under the measures.
Diesel generator sets may now be used only in emergencies or situations considered essential. The restriction is intended to limit emissions from backup power equipment while the region remains under the initial stage of the graded response framework.
The latest directions underline the administrative challenge of controlling dust across a city where several agencies oversee roads, public land, construction projects and enforcement. Effective implementation will depend on inspections, coordination between departments and action against violations at the site level. CAQM’s review meeting has therefore combined immediate enforcement instructions with a wider demand for agencies to follow existing statutory dust-control requirements.
The next operational step is for Delhi’s civic and construction-related agencies to strengthen compliance checks, act on identified violations and implement the GRAP-1 restrictions while air quality remains in the ‘poor’ category.
