CAQM Flags ‘Significant Gaps’ in Gurugram’s Dust Control Measures After Road Inspection
The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on Saturday flagged serious shortcomings in Gurugram’s efforts to curb dust pollution, following a large-scale inspection of city roads. The findings come as air quality across Delhi-NCR continues to deteriorate, with no immediate relief in sight.
Inspection Findings Reveal High Dust Levels
After inspecting 125 road stretches in Gurugram on Friday, the CAQM found alarming levels of visible dust pollution. According to the commission’s assessment, 34 roads showed high visible dust, 58 had moderate dust levels, 29 stretches recorded low dust presence, while only four stretches were found to be dust-free.
The watchdog said the findings clearly indicate gaps in routine maintenance and enforcement by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram.
Waste, Open Burning Add to the Problem
The CAQM noted that many stretches with high dust levels also had large accumulations of solid waste and construction and demolition debris. Several instances of open burning were observed across inspected areas, including residential neighbourhoods.
The commission said these issues point to serious deficiencies in waste management, road maintenance, and regulatory enforcement. It stressed the need for immediate corrective action to prevent dust from becoming a major contributor to worsening air quality in the region.
Steps Suggested by the Pollution Watchdog
The CAQM advised Gurugram authorities to intensify on-ground measures, including regular mechanical sweeping of roads, timely removal and scientific disposal of dust and waste, frequent water sprinkling, and strict prevention of open burning.
It emphasised that consistent implementation of these measures is critical, especially during periods of heightened pollution levels in the NCR.
Delhi Air Quality Nears ‘Severe’ Category
Meanwhile, air quality in the national capital continued to worsen. According to the official bulletin, Delhi’s 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 385 at 4 pm on Saturday, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. This marked a sharp rise from the previous day’s AQI of 332.
An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as ‘very poor’, while readings above 400 fall into the ‘severe’ category.
No Immediate Relief Expected
Forecasts indicate that air quality is likely to remain in the ‘very poor’ category for at least the next six days, raising concerns for public health across Delhi-NCR, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
The CAQM’s findings underline how local-level enforcement failures can significantly worsen regional air quality. With Delhi-NCR already battling hazardous pollution levels, stronger coordination between civic bodies and stricter on-ground action in cities like Gurugram will be critical to prevent further environmental and health damage.