New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) Four Flying Squads of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) found during an inspection that unpaved or missing pathways exist along six road stretches under GNIDA and two under the Noida Authority, an official said on Saturday.
The inspection also revealed that paved central verges were absent on 5 stretches of road, comprising 3 under the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) and 2 under the Noida Authority, said the official in a statement.
The flying squads conducted the special inspection drive in Noida and Greater Noida on Friday to assess redevelopment of urban roads in accordance with the Commission’s Standard Framework.
The inspection covered 17 road stretches spanning about 46.87 kilometres, of which 9 had end-to-end paving, while 8 still lacked it, indicating the need for timely completion of redevelopment works, said the statement.
The inspection covered 11 road stretches under GNIDA and 6 under the Noida Authority, across roads with Right of Way (RoW) categories of 10-15 metres and greater than 15 metres, it said.
During the inspection, five road stretches under GNIDA and 4 under the Noida Authority were found to have end-to-end paving, indicating compliance with the Commission-prescribed Standard Framework.
The inspection also revealed that unpaved or missing pathways existed along 8 stretches of road, including 6 under GNIDA and 2 under the Noida Authority. In addition, paved central verges were absent on five road stretches, comprising three under GNIDA and two under the Noida Authority, it said
The Commission observed that while significant progress has been made in the redevelopment of urban roads, the remaining gaps require timely attention to ensure full compliance with the Standard Framework.
It noted that the completion of end-to-end paving, the provision of paved pathways, and the development of central verges are essential for effective control of road dust emissions, one of the major contributors to particulate air pollution in urban areas.
The Commission reiterated that proper paving of roads and adjoining pathways plays a vital role in minimising dust resuspension caused by vehicular movement and in enhancing the effectiveness of mechanised road sweeping and other dust mitigation measures.
The authorities concerned have been directed to expedite the remaining redevelopment works and ensure regular maintenance, the statement said.
The Commission emphasised that the implementation of the Standard Framework by all road-owning agencies across Delhi-NCR remains critical to the long-term mitigation of road dust.
Inspection drives will continue across Delhi-NCR to monitor on-ground implementation of various air pollution control measures and facilitate timely corrective action wherever required, said the statement.
–IANS
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