CAQM Cracks Down on Dust Pollution: Strict Orders for Delhi Agencies
CAQM holds a high-level meeting with Delhi government agencies to crack down on dust pollution and enforce strict mitigation rules.
As the battle against deteriorating air quality intensifies, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has convened a high-level review meeting to tackle one of the most persistent culprits of smog: delhi dust pollution. The session, co-chaired by CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma and the Chief Secretary of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), focused on strengthening coordinated action to mitigate pollution in the coming days.
Strict Compliance and MCD's Role
During the meeting, the Commission sent a clear message to all involved agencies: statutory directions are not optional. The CAQM emphasized that every concerned department must strictly comply with and implement the directives issued by the Commission to ensure the city's air quality improves.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) found itself under particular scrutiny. The Commission specifically directed the MCD to ramp up dust mitigation efforts across roads and open areas falling under its jurisdiction. This follows a series of assessments and a previous notice dated October 7, 2026, which required the MCD and its Deputy Commissioners to present a detailed, zone-wise report on the removal of garbage and dust from city roads.
Construction Lapses and Wind Barriers
A major point of concern raised during the review was the negligence observed at construction sites across the capital. The Commission noted that several agencies and departments overseeing construction projects are failing to implement basic dust control measures. Key lapses include:
- Failure to install wind barriers.
- Lack of dust screens.
- Poor management of digging work, which leads to significant dust accumulation.
The CAQM has now ordered the concerned departments to take immediate action on these identified issues. More importantly, the Commission has called for strict penalties against project proponents, implementing agencies, and the officials responsible for these violations.
Accountability and Monitoring
To ensure that these directives do not remain on paper, the Commission has established a clear chain of accountability. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has been tasked with ensuring seamless coordination between all agencies to streamline pollution mitigation.
Furthermore, the District Magistrates of the GNCTD have been appointed as the primary monitors. They are responsible for overseeing ground-level compliance within their respective jurisdictions to ensure that dust mitigation measures are actually being executed.
The Commission reiterated that strict action would be taken against any officials who fail to implement the Statutory Directions, particularly regarding the mitigation of dust.