CAQM Signs MoU with CSIR-CRRI and SPA to Curb Road Dust Pollution in Delhi-NCR

New Delhi: To tackle one of the major contributors to air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) on Tuesday signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi.

The partnership is aimed at facilitating the effective implementation of a Standard Framework for the redevelopment of urban roads with a focus on paving, greening of pathways and sidewalks, and adoption of sustainable practices to mitigate road dust—a key pollutant in Delhi-NCR.

As part of the agreement, a Project Monitoring Cell (PMC) will be set up at CAQM with support from CSIR-CRRI and SPA. This cell will oversee the phased rollout of the redevelopment framework across the NCR, ensuring consistency in design and execution. The PMC will also serve as a central body for coordinating between various stakeholders and guiding the road upgrade efforts using scientifically backed solutions.

In the initial phase, the implementation will be undertaken in nine urban and industrial hubs of NCR: Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, and Neemrana.

The MoU brings together the technical strengths of CSIR-CRRI in road engineering and asset management, and SPA’s expertise in sustainable urban planning. Key components of the framework include:

• Cross-section design tailored for various road types and widths;

• Road dust mitigation through strategic greening measures along the Right of Way (ROW);

• A Web-GIS based Road Asset Management System (RAMS) for robust maintenance regimes;

• Adoption of modern construction technologies for improved longevity and performance of roads.

In addition to providing technical guidance, CSIR-CRRI and SPA will assist CAQM in identifying the required manpower and training resources for the PMC. A dedicated digital dashboard will also be developed to enable real-time, data-driven monitoring of road redevelopment projects.

Commenting on the initiative, a CAQM spokesperson stated, “Transforming our urban road infrastructure through scientific planning, greening, and technology is essential for reducing dust pollution and improving the air quality across NCR. This partnership marks a crucial step in that direction.”