The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) conducted an inspection drive in Noida on January 5, 2026, to assess road cleaning, mechanical sweeping and overall maintenance of road stretches under the Noida Authority, as part of its ongoing monitoring and enforcement under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The inspection covered 142 road stretches and was aimed at evaluating the on-ground implementation of dust mitigation measures, including the presence of visible road dust, accumulation of municipal solid waste (MSW), construction and demolition (C&D) waste, and instances of open burning.

Ten inspection teams comprising officials from the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and the CAQM flying squad were deployed for the exercise. During the inspections, geo-tagged and time-stamped photographs were collected and submitted to the Commission as part of a consolidated inspection report.

The findings reflected an overall positive scenario. Of the 142 road stretches inspected, only four were found to have high levels of visible dust, while 24 stretches showed moderate dust levels. Sixty-six stretches recorded low dust intensity and 48 stretches had no visible dust.

According to the Commission, the limited stretches with high visible dust were, in some cases, linked to the accumulation of MSW and C&D waste. These issues were observed particularly at vulnerable locations such as under flyovers, along metro corridors and on certain arterial road segments. The observations underscore the need for targeted interventions at identified hotspots to prevent dust re-accumulation and ensure effective cleaning measures.

CAQM stressed the importance of sustained and intensified efforts at vulnerable locations through regular mechanical sweeping, timely lifting and scientific disposal of dust and waste, effective water sprinkling, and strict prevention of waste dumping and open burning.

The Commission said inspection and enforcement drives under ‘Operation Clean Air’ will continue across the NCR to ensure strict compliance with GRAP measures. CAQM reiterated its commitment to coordinated action with concerned agencies to maintain clean, dust-free and well-maintained road infrastructure in the region.