CAQM Flags DDA's 'Recurring Negligence' in Delhi's Air Pollution Fight

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has severely criticized the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for its persistent negligence in road maintenance. Inspections by Operation Clean Air teams revealed high dust levels and waste burning across 136 DDA-maintained road stretches, significantly contributing to air pollution. CAQM demands immediate, intensified corrective measures and improved operational efficiency from the DDA to combat these recurring environmental issues.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued a strong rebuke to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), accusing it of 'recurring negligence' that exacerbates Delhi's air pollution. This condemnation follows comprehensive inspections conducted by Operation Clean Air teams, which meticulously documented significant issues across 136 DDA-maintained road stretches. Key findings included alarmingly high dust levels, a direct result of poor road maintenance, and rampant instances of waste accumulation and burning. These deficiencies were identified as major contributors to the city's deteriorating air quality.CAQM's criticism underscores a systemic failure within the DDA to uphold its environmental responsibilities, highlighting that these problems are not isolated but indicative of a sustained lack of oversight and action. The Commission has consequently demanded immediate and decisive action from the DDA. This includes implementing intensified corrective measures to rectify existing issues and a fundamental improvement in operational efficiency to prevent future recurrences. The directive emphasizes the critical need for the DDA to take greater accountability in managing urban infrastructure, acknowledging its profound impact on public health and the environmental quality of Delhi.