**Executive Summary**
On May 8, 2026, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) conducted a special inspection drive in Noida to assess road dust levels and cleaning operations. The drive identified significant deficiencies in dust suppression and waste management across 46 road stretches, leading to directives for intensified mitigation and strict enforcement. Authorities have been ordered to fix accountability for negligence and ensure sustained compliance with environmental norms under the ongoing ‘Operation Clean Air.’
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Inspection Findings**
* A total of 19 flying squad teams inspected 46 road stretches under the NOIDA Authority's jurisdiction.
* The teams identified 28 instances of high visible road dust and accumulated construction and demolition (C&D) waste.
* Major deficiencies were noted in Sectors 20, 21, 59, 62, 80, 82, 83, 84, 87, 88, 138, 140, 141, and 145.
* Key issues included inadequate mechanized sweeping, lack of dust suppression measures, and improper handling of C&D waste.
**Directed Mitigation Measures**
* Authorities must intensify regular mechanized sweeping and targeted water sprinkling.
* Accumulated C&D waste must be lifted and disposed of scientifically and in a timely manner.
* Maintenance practices must be improved to address road dust, a major contributor to urban particulate pollution.
**Enforcement and Accountability**
* The NOIDA Authority is directed to strengthen monitoring and enforcement to prevent unauthorized dumping.
* Accountability will be fixed for officers found negligent in implementing dust control measures.
* Continuous field-level vigilance is required to ensure sustained compliance with environmental standards.
**Strategic Framework**
* The drive is part of ‘Operation Clean Air,’ an ongoing initiative to mitigate localized pollution hotspots across Delhi-NCR.
* Concerned agencies have assured the CAQM that corrective actions will be implemented based on the inspection findings.
**Impact Analysis**
**NOIDA Authority**
**Impact**
The authority is responsible for the identified deficiencies in road cleaning and waste management across multiple sectors and faces pressure to rectify systemic lapses.
**Action Required**
Strengthen monitoring mechanisms, intensify mechanized sweeping and water sprinkling, and ensure the scientific disposal of C&D waste.
**Concerned Officers and Personnel**
**Impact**
Staff responsible for dust mitigation and field maintenance are under scrutiny for negligence and operational lapses.
**Action Required**
Maintain continuous field-level vigilance and execute corrective actions; those found responsible for deficiencies will face disciplinary action and fixed accountability.
**CAQM / Flying Squads**
**Impact**
These teams serve as the primary monitoring body for assessing compliance and identifying air pollution hotspots in the NCR.
**Action Required**
Continue ‘Operation Clean Air’ drives and perform follow-up inspections to ensure the implementation of directed mitigation measures.
Key Entities Referenced
Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM): The primary regulatory body that conducted the inspection drive and issued directives for intensified dust mitigation and enforcement.
Operation Clean Air: An ongoing initiative aimed at identifying air pollution hotspots and mitigating localized sources of air pollution across the Delhi-NCR region.
NOIDA Authority: The local administrative body responsible for the jurisdiction where inspections occurred and directed to ensure compliance with environmental norms.
Noida, Delhi-NCR: The central geographical locations for the inspection drive and the broader scope of the air pollution mitigation efforts.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
CAQM conducts inspection drive in Noida,
directs Intensified Mitigation and Strict
Enforcement
Posted On: 09 MAY 2026 4:11PM by PIB Delhi
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) conducted a special
inspection drive in Noida on 08.05.2026, focusing on assessment of visible road dust levels and review of
road cleaning and sweeping operations in the city.
A total of 19 flying squad teams constituted by the Commission were deployed across Noida, covering 46
road stretches under the jurisdiction of the NOIDA Authority. During the inspections, 28 instances of high
visible road dust and accumulation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste were observed at multiple
locations, including Sectors 20, 21, 59, 62, 80, 82, 83, 84, 87, 88, 138, 140, 141 and 145. The findings
pointed to deficiencies in regular sweeping operations, dust suppression measures and scientific handling
and disposal of C&D waste at certain stretches.
The Commission has directed the concerned authorities to intensify dust mitigation measures through
regular mechanised sweeping, targeted water sprinkling and timely lifting and disposal of accumulated
C&D waste. The NOIDA Authority has also been advised to strengthen monitoring and enforcement
mechanisms to prevent unauthorised dumping and ensure sustained compliance with prescribed
environmental norms.
The Commission emphasised that any lapses in implementation of dust mitigation measures and
negligence by concerned officers will be viewed seriously. Authorities have been advised to fix
accountability and take appropriate action against officers found responsible for such deficiencies.
It was highlighted that road dust remains a major contributor to particulate pollution in urban areas and
requires sustained and focused mitigation efforts. The Commission stressed the need for continuous field-
level vigilance, improved maintenance practices and accountability-driven implementation of dust control
measures.
The Commission further reiterated that ‘Operation Clean Air’ drives will continue across Delhi-NCR as
part of ongoing efforts to identify air pollution hotspots and mitigate localised sources of air pollution. The
concerned agencies and officials assured that necessary corrective actions will be taken based on the
observations made during the inspection drive.
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VM/GS
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