New Delhi: Delhi-NCR’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has recently surged to 350, raising significant concerns among residents over air pollution. A survey conducted by LocalCircles revealed that 79 per cent of respondents identified construction activity as a major contributor to deteriorating air quality in the region. The survey received 20,761 responses from residents of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad.
Construction and demolition activities release dust and fine particles into the atmosphere, particularly when proper dust control measures are not implemented. Uncovered construction materials, exposed soil and debris left on roads further worsen the situation. The movement of heavy vehicles around construction sites also contributes to dust pollution.
Amid rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued a directive on October 12 to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, mandating the removal of accumulated road dust, garbage and construction waste by October 31. The directive highlights the need for effective management of pollution sources within the city.
Garbage Burning And Road Dust Contribute Significantly
Alongside construction activity, garbage burning and road dust were each identified by 64 per cent of survey participants as significant contributors to pollution.
Delhi generates approximately 11,000 to 14,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily. Despite a ban on open burning, incidents of garbage burning increased from 3,511 in 2023 to 4,933 in 2024. Such practices release harmful pollutants into the air.
Road dust becomes airborne as vehicles move over dusty surfaces, while inadequate cleaning further aggravates the problem. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi employs around 57,000 sanitation workers to manually sweep 6,127 kilometres of roads. Meanwhile, its 66 mechanical sweepers collect about 180 tonnes of dust daily, highlighting the scale of the challenge in managing urban waste and pollution.
Stubble Burning Remains A Factor, But Not The Sole Cause
Stubble burning in neighbouring states was cited by 57 per cent of respondents as a contributor to rising air pollution. Farmers often burn crop residue to prepare fields for the next planting season, releasing smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
However, a report cautioned against viewing farm fires as the sole explanation for Delhi’s pollution, noting that their contribution was less than 5 per cent on most early winter days.
The survey also found that 50 per cent of respondents attributed pollution to industrial emissions, while 36 per cent pointed to emissions from motor vehicles. The findings indicate the need for a comprehensive approach to address multiple pollution sources simultaneously, including transport, industries and waste management.
The Delhi government has announced its Winter Action Plan for 2026-27, which includes restrictions on dust-generating activities and measures to improve public transport. However, concerns remain over the effectiveness of these interventions and their implementation across the region.
