Delhi-NCR to Tackle Air Pollution with Three-Year Action Plan
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued a directive to Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, mandating the creation of a comprehensive three-year action plan to combat air pollution caused by road dust. The deadline for submission is the end of February. This decisive move comes in response to Delhi’s persistent struggle with poor air quality, a problem significantly exacerbated by road dust, which contributes up to 58% of PM10 and 15-34% of PM2.5 levels.
Action Plan Details: A Multi-pronged Approach
The action plan, guided by a framework developed by a committee headed by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) director, will focus on urban and industrial areas. Key initiatives include extensive greening, comprehensive road paving, dedicated pedestrian and cyclist pavements, and the implementation of micro-surfacing techniques. The plan also emphasizes the development of a sophisticated road asset management system. This system will leverage a digital inventory of street-level data to enable proactive road maintenance and dust mitigation.
Long-Term Vision: Beyond Short-Term Fixes
This new initiative marks a shift towards long-term solutions. While past measures included mechanized sweeping, water sprinkling, and pothole repairs, the CAQM is now prioritizing sustainable, large-scale infrastructure improvements. A recent study by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) recommended digital road mapping, condition surveys, and standardized operations for mechanized road sweeping to ensure consistent best practices.
Expert Opinion: Addressing Air Pollution Holistically
Experts highlight the need for a systematic approach to combatting air pollution. A professor at the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences at IIT Delhi emphasized the importance of controlling all pollution sources simultaneously and establishing accountability mechanisms to track progress effectively. Without clear indicators and accountability, progress remains slow and air quality improvements are difficult to achieve. The current lack of a comprehensive, accountable system hinders effective pollution control.
Current Air Quality: A Call to Action
Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) frequently remains in the ‘severe’ category, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive action. The current AQI reading further emphasizes the critical need to address road dust and other pollutants swiftly and decisively. The new three-year action plan represents a significant step towards improving air quality in the region and ensuring the health and well-being of its residents. The success of this initiative depends on the collaborative efforts of all participating states and the timely implementation of the outlined measures.
Looking Ahead: Collaboration and Accountability
The success of this plan hinges on collaborative efforts between the CAQM and the states involved. The implementation of comprehensive road asset management systems will play a crucial role in ensuring effective, long-term dust control. Regular monitoring and accountability are essential to track progress and ensure that the action plan delivers tangible improvements in air quality for the Delhi-NCR region and beyond.
