New Delhi — A major initiative to combat dust pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) has been launched through a collaboration between the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA). A formal agreement has been signed to focus on redeveloping urban roads using scientific planning and sustainable techniques.
The partnership aims to reduce air pollution caused by road dust by implementing a standard model for designing, greening, and maintaining city roads. A Project Monitoring Cell (PMC) will be set up to oversee the progress and ensure proper execution of the model.
In the first phase, nine cities with high levels of urbanization and industrial activity have been identified: Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, and Neemrana.
Key features of the redevelopment plan include:
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Tailored road designs based on available space and road type.
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Planting greenery along pathways and medians to prevent dust spread.
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Using digital systems like a Road Asset Management System (RAMS) to monitor road conditions and plan maintenance.
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Promoting modern construction methods to ensure cleaner and longer-lasting roads.
Both CRRI and SPA will provide expertise to guide the project, help set up the PMC, and train professionals to manage the road transformation efforts. A centralized dashboard will help track real-time updates and progress of each city’s redevelopment.
This effort is a long-term strategy to improve air quality by addressing one of its root causes — dust from unpaved or poorly maintained roads. By combining engineering, sustainable design, and technology, the project aims to build cleaner, greener, and safer roads for the future.
