The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has stepped up dust-control measures across National Highways and Expressways in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) to strengthen air pollution mitigation efforts ahead of winter.
According to information released by NHAI, the authority has deployed around 60 water sprinklers and tankers, 14 anti-smog guns, 23 Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), two tractor-mounted broomers and more than 900 workers for dust-mitigation activities. Additionally, 13 mechanical road-sweeping machines are operating across 157 kilometres of National Highway stretches within Delhi-NCR.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Around 60 water sprinklers and tankers deployed.
14 anti-smog guns and 23 mechanical road-sweeping machines in operation.
Two tractor-mounted broomers and more than 900 workers deployed for dust control.
An additional 13 mechanical sweepers operating across 157 km of National Highways in Delhi-NCR.
Approximately 9.80 lakh plants reported planted in NCR during FY 2025–26.
Alok Deepankar, Member (Technical) at NHAI, reviewed the pollution-control measures and directed field teams to ensure that equipment and personnel remain fully deployed. He also stressed regular water sprinkling, the operation of anti-smog guns and daily mechanical sweeping.
NHAI has emphasised compliance with the norms prescribed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), including covering construction materials, maintaining dust-free road surfaces and implementing additional measures according to the applicable stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
As part of its environmental initiatives, NHAI reported planting approximately 9.80 lakh plants in NCR during the financial year 2025–26, against a target of 9.52 lakh. The authority reported a survival rate of more than 90 per cent for the plantation.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Road dust is one of the sources of particulate pollution in urban areas. Regular mechanical sweeping, water sprinkling and compliance with dust-control requirements can help reduce dust emissions from highway surfaces and support wider pollution-control efforts in Delhi-NCR.
The intensified measures form part of efforts to control road dust and support air pollution mitigation across the region during the winter season.
