Gurgaon: An inspection by Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the city has brought to light considerable shortcomings in road maintenance and waste management by MCG. Checks on 125 roads revealed that 34 had high levels of visible dust, 58 had moderate dust, and 29 had low dust levels. Only four stretches were free of visible dust.
On Dec 26, as part of Operation Clean Air, 18 inspection teams assessed the effectiveness of dust-mitigation measures on roads maintained by MCG. Sixteen teams were from Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), and two were from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Each site was geo-tagged and photographed for documentation.
The inspection revealed more than just dust problems. Many stretches with high dust levels also had mounds of garbage and construction debris, along with instances of open burning, indicating weak enforcement, inadequate waste collection, and poor supervision at the ward level.
Roads inspected spanned various sectors, residential colonies, internal ward roads, and arterial stretches. Inspectors said dust accumulation was a persistent issue across multiple areas, rather than isolated incidents.
CAQM emphasised the need for MCG to enhance its on-ground operations, including regular mechanical sweeping, timely waste collection and scientific disposal, consistent water sprinkling, and strict prevention of open burning. Without these measures, dust will continue to settle back on the roads.
The commission reiterated that Operation Clean Air inspections will persist across NCR to ensure compliance with statutory directions and Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). "The inspection has clearly shown that road dust, unmanaged solid waste, and instances of open burning continue to be major contributors to poor air quality in the city. We have asked the corporation to immediately strengthen mechanical sweeping, waste lifting, and on-ground enforcement so that visible improvements are seen on roads," said an HSPCB official.
According to the pollution board, the size of dust particles determines their potential health hazard. Particles larger than 10 µg/m³ and 2.5 µg/m³ are not breathable and can cause skin and eye irritations, conjunctivitis, and increased susceptibility to ocular infections. Inhalable particles, smaller than 10 µg/m³ and 2.5 µg/m³, can become trapped in the nose, mouth, and upper respiratory tract, leading to respiratory disorders such as asthma, tracheitis, pneumonia, allergic rhinitis, and silicosis.
Finer particles may penetrate the lower respiratory tract and enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting all internal organs and causing cardiovascular disorders. The Times of India recently reported that loose dust is prevalent across the city, from dug-up roads to exposed construction materials and trucks carrying garbage. Areas like MG Road, Udyog Vihar, Sector 29, Sushant Lok 1, Galleria Market Road, IFFCO Chowk, Atlas Chowk, and Gurgaon-Faridabad Road are particularly affected by exposed soil, loose construction material, and incomplete resurfacing work, contributing significantly to pollution in these busy areas.
Recent inspections were conducted after show-cause notices were served by HSPCB to MCG and Manesar corporation. These notices were in response to the unregulated dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) waste at various sites. The inspections, carried out on Dec 17 and 18, revealed debris carelessly discarded along roadsides and open plots. This action was prompted by a review meeting on air pollution in NCR, chaired by the Union environment minister on Dec 16.
Within MCG's jurisdiction, waste was found along several key locations, including Delhi-Jaipur highway at Narsingpur, Kherki Daula, and Sector 37. Other areas incude Rao Daula Marg in Sector 74, and Aklimpur-Teekli Road and Palra Road near Darbaripur. In Manesar, CPCB teams identified similar dumping of waste at 11 sites.
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