CAQM Reviews MCD Preparedness Across All 12 Zones to Curb Road Dust and Ensure Intensive Cleaning in Delhi
Distilled Policy Brief
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed the preparedness of all 12 zones of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to curb road dust and enhance intensive cleaning ahead of the winter season.
- The review mandated the removal of accumulated dust, silt, and Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste from all roads, medians, and open spaces by a strict deadline of October 31, 2026.
- Zones were instructed to effectively deploy Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), water sprinklers, anti-smog guns, and ensure strict inter-agency coordination with PWD, DDA, and DJB.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, tasked with air pollution coordination in the NCR.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Examine the institutional mechanisms, inter-agency coordination challenges, and technological interventions required by urban local bodies to mitigate particulate matter and urban air pollution in the National Capital Region.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and its recent review regarding dust mitigation in Delhi, consider the following statements: 1. The CAQM reviewed the preparedness of all 12 zones of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to curb road dust and enhance intensive cleaning ahead of the winter season. 2. The directives mandate the removal of accumulated dust, silt, and Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste from all roads and open spaces by a strict deadline of October 31, 2026. 3. The measures include the deployment of Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), water sprinklers, and anti-smog guns along with inter-agency coordination. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
All the statements are correct based on the policy briefing. The CAQM reviewed all 12 zones of MCD, mandated the removal of accumulated dust, silt, and C&D waste, and instructed the deployment of mechanical sweepers, water sprinklers, anti-smog guns, and strict inter-agency coordination.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.