New Delhi, October 22 (TNA) The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has intensified air pollution control measures across National Highways and Expressways in Delhi-NCR ahead of the winter season, deploying equipment and manpower for dust mitigation and faster decongestion.
NHAI has deployed around 60 water sprinklers and tankers, 14 anti-smog guns, 23 Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), two tractor-mounted brooms and over 900 workers to support dust-control efforts. In addition, 13 MRSMs are operating across 157 km of National Highway stretches within Delhi-NCR.
Alok Deepankar, Member (Technical), NHAI, reviewed the pollution-control measures and directed field teams to ensure the full deployment of equipment and manpower, regular water sprinkling, consistent operation of anti-smog guns and daily mechanical sweeping.
He also stressed strict compliance with norms established by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi-NCR. These include covering construction materials, maintaining dust-free road surfaces and intensifying measures in accordance with applicable Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) stages.
NHAI officials have been directed to monitor activities daily and submit progress reports with geo-tagged photographs. As part of its environmental initiatives, NHAI planted around 9.80 lakh plants in NCR during FY 2025-26 against a target of 9.52 lakh, achieving survival rates of over 90 per cent.
Additionally, around 13.58 lakh tonnes of inert material from Delhi's landfill sites have been utilised in embankment construction for the Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) and DND–Sohna corridors, supporting sustainable waste utilisation.
The review also covered major decongestion projects, including UER-II, Dwarka Expressway, DND–Sohna Expressway and Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, which are helping reduce traffic congestion and vehicular emissions across Delhi-NCR. The authority also emphasised expediting proposed decongestion projects and promptly resolving public complaints received through the Green Delhi app and social media platforms.
NHAI reiterated its commitment to reducing dust pollution, improving air quality and facilitating smoother traffic movement across Delhi-NCR during the winter season.