In a significant effort to reduce road dust pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has partnered with CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in New Delhi. These three organizations have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement a Standard Framework aimed at redeveloping urban roads with a focus on paving and greening footpaths and sidewalks.
This effort is part of a broader plan to address air pollution caused by dust, particularly in heavily urbanized and industrial zones.
As part of the agreement, a dedicated Project Monitoring Cell (PMC) will be set up at CAQM, facilitated by CSIR-CRRI and SPA. This cell will play a central role in supervising and supporting the phased rollout of the framework across the NCR.
In the initial phase, nine major cities have been selected for the project: Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, and Neemrana. These cities are known for high levels of construction activity and traffic, which contribute significantly to road dust.
The collaboration leverages the technical expertise of CSIR-CRRI in road design, engineering, and asset management, along with SPA’s knowledge in sustainable urban planning and greening.
The standard framework they plan to implement includes several innovative components: specialized cross-section designs tailored to various road types and right-of-way widths, extensive roadside greening for dust mitigation, and a Web-GIS-based Road Asset Management System (RAMS) for maintenance. Additionally, the framework promotes the adoption of advanced technologies in the construction and upkeep of roads.
Under the MoU, both CSIR-CRRI and SPA will not only help in setting up the PMC but also provide ongoing guidance in selecting the right manpower and offering technical advice throughout the project. A digital dashboard will also be created to monitor the progress of individual projects, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
