PMO flags lapses in Delhi’s dust control; warns of action against officials for negligence

New Delhi: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has flagged “serious lapses” in Delhi’s dust mitigation measures and warned of strict action against officials for negligence, as road dust, poor waste management and delays in grievance redressal continue to plague the capital.

The concerns were discussed at a meeting of the Implementation Committee for Control of Air Pollution (ICCAP), chaired by Delhi chief secretary, where observations from a recent PMO review on dust pollution were taken up.

Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar informed the committee that removal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste from roadsides and vacant plots was being undertaken on a “war footing”, with all deputy commissioners instructed to strictly enforce norms.

However, district authorities highlighted several operational challenges, including limited mechanised sweeping in residential areas, shortage of capsules at Fixed Compactor Transfer Stations (FCTS), and difficulties in deploying heavy machinery in narrow lanes.

The meeting reviewed progress under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and assessed compliance with earlier directions, including those issued by the Supreme Court.

Expressing “serious concern” over persistent dust on roads and inadequate waste management, the chair noted that these issues had been repeatedly flagged in PMO meetings. The shortcomings, it was observed, reflect poorly on civic and road-owning agencies. Departments were directed to take immediate remedial measures, failing which action would be initiated for “negligence of duty”, according to the document accessed by TOI.

The review also flagged inefficiencies in handling public grievances through the MCD’s 311 app. The chair expressed dissatisfaction over unnecessary transfers of complaints and delays in disposal, directing agencies to ensure swift assignment and resolution without redundant routing. A special drive involving resident welfare associations (RWAs), market bodies, students and volunteers has been launched to encourage reporting of C&D waste dumping and dust-related violations.

Emphasising accountability, the committee directed strict compliance with decisions taken during meetings of the ‘Dust-Free Delhi’ campaign. Departments have been asked to submit timely action taken reports (ATRs) to the ministries of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA), home affairs (MHA) and the PMO, clearly demonstrating measurable outcomes.

Construction-related dust, particularly around metro project sites, also came under scrutiny. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and MCD were pulled up over deteriorating dust control measures, especially in areas such as Khanpur. Agencies have been directed to take corrective steps and submit photographic evidence of compliance.

In some locations, waste spilling outside FCTS during transportation to landfill sites was flagged as a major concern, with suggestions to deploy at least two capsules at such points. Officials also cited access issues in clearing legacy waste along railway tracks, though a short-term tender has been floated to address the backlog.

In a significant enforcement step, MCD deputy commissioners have been directed to submit undertakings certifying that no air- or water-polluting industries are operating in their jurisdictions. Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has been tasked with cross-verifying these claims and initiating stringent action against erring units and officials.

The committee also took note of delays in the street vendor survey, attributing them to technical glitches at headquarters. Additionally, MCD has been directed to submit a comprehensive report on parking, tehbazari and weekly market management to address road congestion.

Reiterating the need for efficiency, the committee instructed all departments to clear pending complaints on the 311 app and ensure that grievances are assigned strictly to the relevant agencies without avoidable transfers.