In a coordinated effort to curb air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Public Works Department (PWD) and urban departments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to implement a Standard Framework for Urban Roads along with a Road Asset Management System (RAMS).
The initiative focuses on tackling road dust, a major contributor to PM10 pollution, which significantly impacts air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Regulatory Backing
The MoUs are aligned with the framework issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for paving and greening of urban roads in NCR and adjoining areas.
Air pollution continues to remain a major challenge in Delhi-NCR. Annual action plans of NCR states and municipal corporations have been reviewed, with Delhi alone identifying 448 action points for pollution mitigation.
Core Objectives of Standard Framework
The framework aims to:
- Improve road cross-sections.
- Optimize Right of Way (RoW) utilisation.
- Strengthen greening measures along roads.
- Standardize road maintenance protocols.
- Reduce dust from roads and open areas.
- Ensure scientific road condition assessment.
It emphasizes structured action plans to control dust from both paved roads and adjacent open spaces.
Road Asset Management System (RAMS)
The Road Asset Management System (RAMS) will enable:
- Web-GIS-based road condition monitoring.
- Scientific assessment of infrastructure quality.
- Timely maintenance interventions.
- Long-term asset lifecycle management.
- Adoption of sustainable, low-emission construction technologies.
This marks a shift from reactive repairs to data-driven preventive maintenance.
Technical Tools & Modern Technologies
The initiative will deploy advanced data collection technologies, including:
- Network Survey Vehicles (NSV)
- Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD)
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
- Automatic Vehicle Counter and Classifier (AVCC)
- Pavement Condition Index (PCI) evaluation
These technologies will allow accurate evaluation of pavement strength, structural integrity, and traffic load patterns.
Greening & Dust Mitigation Measures
Special emphasis has been placed on:
- Plantation of low-water-requirement shrubs and bushes.
- Identification of 30 suitable plant species by the Environment Ministry.
- Integration of greening components into road design plans.
- Incorporation of CAQM greening guidelines into development plans.
Expert institutions such as:
- CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI)
- School of Planning and Architecture (SPA Delhi)
have been requested to integrate sustainable greening practices into infrastructure planning.
Institutional Coordination
The initiative involves coordinated efforts among:
- CAQM
- NCR state governments
- Municipal corporations
- CSIR-CRRI
- SPA Delhi
A special task force may be constituted to:
- Evaluate social impact.
- Identify roads most affected by congestion.
- Monitor on-ground outcomes.
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funding avenues may also be explored for implementation support.
Why Road Dust Matters
- Road dust is a major contributor to PM10 levels.
- Construction activities and traffic congestion worsen dust pollution.
- Dust resuspension from poorly maintained roads increases pollution levels.
- PM10 particles penetrate the respiratory system, causing health risks.
- Controlling road dust is critical for improving Delhi-NCR’s air quality.
What is PM10?
- Particulate Matter ≤ 10 micrometers in diameter
- Includes dust, pollen, mold
- Can penetrate respiratory system
- Major contributor to urban air pollution
About CAQM
- Statutory body established in 2021
- Focuses on air quality management in Delhi-NCR
- Coordinates inter-state pollution control efforts