CAQM cracks down on dust hotspots in Ghaziabad

The Commission on Wednesday said it conducted a special inspection across Ghaziabad on May 26 to assess visible road dust levels and review road cleaning and sweeping operations being carried out by the Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam. Ten flying squads were deployed for the exercise, covering four zones under the municipal body's jurisdiction.

The inspection found 24 instances of high-visible road dust and accumulation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste at various locations across the city. Violations were observed on several stretches, including Surdas Marg, Meerut Road, Tagore Road, B.N. Sharma Road, St Thomas Marg, Maharana Pratap Marg and Industrial Area Road in E Block.

According to the Commission, the field teams found gaps in regular sweeping operations, inadequate dust suppression measures and improper handling and disposal of C&D waste at several locations. The findings come at a time when road dust continues to be flagged as a major contributor to particulate pollution in urban centres.

The CAQM has directed the authorities concerned to intensify dust mitigation measures through deep cleaning operations, regular mechanised road sweeping, targeted water sprinkling and prompt removal and scientific disposal of accumulated construction waste. It has also asked the Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam to strengthen monitoring and enforcement to prevent unauthorised dumping and ensure compliance with prescribed pollution-control norms.

The Commission warned that lapses in implementing dust-control measures and negligence by responsible officials would be viewed seriously. The authorities have been advised to fix accountability and initiate action against officials found responsible for deficiencies identified during the inspection.

The intervention is significant against the backdrop of Ghaziabad's air quality record. An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) had identified Ghaziabad as the most-polluted city in the country during the winter season between October 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026. The city recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 172 micrograms per cubic metre, placing it ahead of Noida and Delhi. The study also found that particulate pollution levels in a majority of Indian cities remained above national standards during the period.

Even beyond the winter months, pollution concerns have persisted in the city. PM2.5 levels crossed the 250 mark in May, according to the CPCB data, underscoring the continuing challenge of controlling local pollution sources.

Highlighting the role of road dust in aggravating particulate matter levels, the Commission stressed the need for continuous on-ground vigilance and targeted mitigation measures. It also reiterated that inspection drives under its ongoing "Operation Clean Air" campaign would continue across Delhi-NCR to identify pollution hotspots and tackle localised sources of pollution.

Officials and agencies concerned have assured the Commission that corrective measures based on the inspection findings would be undertaken expeditiously.