The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has ordered all 12 zones of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to complete removal of accumulated dust, garbage and construction waste from roads and open areas by 31 October 2026. The order came after inspections revealed high levels of road dust and debris on stretches maintained by the Public Works Department and cleaned by MCD.
CAQM conducted a hearing on 12 October 2026, chaired by Rajesh Verma, to review the preparedness of each zone. The commission warned that continued gaps in implementation of dust control measures could lead to prosecution of responsible officials and agencies.
Key facts
- Deadline for clearing accumulated dust and waste: 31 October 2026
- Number of MCD zones reviewed: 12
- Inspection date that triggered review: 3 October 2026
- CAQM notice issued: 7 October 2026
- Zones covered: Narela (Outer North), Old Delhi (City SP), North (Civil Line), Rohini (North West), Keshavpuram (Central North), Karol Bagh (Central), South, South East (Central), Najafgarh (South West), West, Shahdara South (East) and Shahdara North (North East)
What needs to be done
MCD zones must remove dust, silt, malba (construction debris), garbage and construction and demolition waste from roads, roadsides, medians, footpaths and other open areas. Deputy Commissioners presented zone-wise action plans during the hearing, detailing cleaning operations, dust mitigation measures and enforcement actions already undertaken.
The commission directed zones to ensure effective utilization of deployed machinery and sanitation staff. Where needed, zones must increase equipment based on the actual work required. Priority areas include identified road stretches prone to dust accumulation, damaged roads, footpaths, road edges, kerb stones and dust hotspots.
Dust mitigation measures in place
MCD zones are using mechanical road sweeping machines, water sprinklers, water tankers, anti-smog guns and jetting machines for ongoing dust suppression. Measures also include road washing, intensive deep cleaning of major roads, removal and scientific disposal of accumulated legacy dust and waste, and repairs to potholes and damaged road stretches.
For the winter season, zones have prepared special deep-cleaning drives targeting known pollution hotspots. They are also improving management of designated construction and demolition waste collection points and strengthening enforcement against open burning and improper waste disposal.
Coordination with other agencies
CAQM highlighted the need for coordinated action with the Public Works Department, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Jal Board, Railways and other agencies to address dust-generating activities and resolve pending infrastructure issues that contribute to road dust pollution.
What this means for Delhi residents
The order is part of efforts to control air pollution in Delhi, particularly during the winter months when dust and smog worsen air quality. Residents can expect intensified road cleaning activities and removal of accumulated debris from roads and pavements over the next few weeks. However, if MCD zones fail to meet the deadline or continue gaps in implementation, the commission has warned of prosecution action against responsible officials.
Compliance and enforcement
CAQM stated that continued failure to implement prescribed dust mitigation measures will be treated seriously. The commission warned that prosecution and other appropriate actions may be initiated against agencies or officials found non-compliant. Deputy Commissioners have been directed to ensure close field-level supervision, regular monitoring of progress and accountability for any implementation gaps.