The Delhi government has decided to develop four model road stretches across the city to reduce dust-related air pollution, officials from the Public Works Department said. At least one of these roads will be located in south Delhi. The initiative aims to eliminate exposed soil patches that contribute heavily to dust pollution, especially during dry weather.
Under the plan, all selected roads will be paved continuously from one end to the other, leaving no unpaved or “brown” areas. These stretches will be redesigned with proper footpaths, green belts and plantation on exposed patches to prevent loose soil from becoming airborne. Officials said this model will eventually be extended to all major arterial roads, including the Ring Road and Outer Ring Road, to create dust-free corridors across the capital.
PWD minister Parvesh Verma said instructions have been issued to prepare four model stretches in the first phase. He added that once restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan are lifted, the work is expected to be completed within about a month. The exact locations of the roads are yet to be finalised.
The department has also directed its engineers to ensure that any road dug up for cable laying, pipeline installation or other utility work is restored within seven days of completion. Short-term tenders will be issued to repair road stretches currently awaiting restoration. Officials said that roads developed under this project will not be dug up again for at least two years, as ducting for future utility expansion will be planned in advance.
To further control dust pollution, the PWD has ordered plantation on exposed soil patches and warned utility agencies against unauthorised digging. In cases where roads were damaged without permission, the department has instructed officials to take strict action, including filing FIRs against responsible field officers.
The PWD will also work with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to increase the use of recycled construction and demolition waste in road construction. In addition, executive engineers have been asked to identify damaged stretches of Delhi Development Authority roads that contribute to dust pollution and report them for corrective action.
Officials said the move is part of a broader effort to address one of the city’s major sources of air pollution by improving road infrastructure and enforcing stricter coordination among civic agencies.