NHAI issues SOP to curb air pollution on Delhi-NCR highways

30 Oct 2025 CW Team

The SOP lays out a systematic approach to control pollution arising from vehicular emissions, road dust, and construction works. It applies to both completed and ongoing highway stretches under NHAI’s jurisdiction across Delhi-NCR.

The detailed framework includes measures such as mechanised road sweeping, greening of medians and interchanges, and the Miyawaki method of plantation to create mini-forests along highways. It also calls for the use of tarpaulin sheets to cover materials during transport and regular maintenance to ensure pothole-free roads, thereby reducing dust emissions.

At construction sites, the SOP prescribes anti-smog guns, continuous water sprinkling, and green nets to control airborne particulates. It mandates regular monitoring of air quality indices and compliance with directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and Pollution Control Boards. Sustainable practices such as using inert materials and construction waste are encouraged to minimise environmental impact.

The SOP assigns clear responsibilities to NHAI field officers, contractors, and concessionaires for monitoring and compliance, including regular audits and training programmes. Complaints related to NHAI projects can be registered via the ‘Green Delhi’ app.

A recent review meeting chaired by Alok Deepankar, Member (Technical), NHAI, emphasised urgent dust and vehicular pollution control. Contractors were directed to deploy additional manpower and equipment to ensure rapid implementation.

Reaffirming NHAI’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Deepankar urged all stakeholders to work collectively for a measurable reduction in pollution across Delhi-NCR highway projects.

These steps reinforce NHAI’s dedication to eco-friendly and sustainable infrastructure development, balancing growth with environmental responsibility.

In a step towards ensuring cleaner and healthier surroundings for National Highway users and nearby communities, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to its field offices in Delhi-NCR to tackle air pollution caused by highway construction and related activities. The SOP lays out a systematic approach to control pollution arising from vehicular emissions, road dust, and construction works. It applies to both completed and ongoing highway stretches under NHAI’s jurisdiction across Delhi-NCR. The detailed framework includes measures such as mechanised road sweeping, greening of medians and interchanges, and the Miyawaki method of plantation to create mini-forests along highways. It also calls for the use of tarpaulin sheets to cover materials during transport and regular maintenance to ensure pothole-free roads, thereby reducing dust emissions. At construction sites, the SOP prescribes anti-smog guns, continuous water sprinkling, and green nets to control airborne particulates. It mandates regular monitoring of air quality indices and compliance with directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and Pollution Control Boards. Sustainable practices such as using inert materials and construction waste are encouraged to minimise environmental impact. The SOP assigns clear responsibilities to NHAI field officers, contractors, and concessionaires for monitoring and compliance, including regular audits and training programmes. Complaints related to NHAI projects can be registered via the ‘Green Delhi’ app. A recent review meeting chaired by Alok Deepankar, Member (Technical), NHAI, emphasised urgent dust and vehicular pollution control. Contractors were directed to deploy additional manpower and equipment to ensure rapid implementation. Reaffirming NHAI’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Deepankar urged all stakeholders to work collectively for a measurable reduction in pollution across Delhi-NCR highway projects. These steps reinforce NHAI’s dedication to eco-friendly and sustainable infrastructure development, balancing growth with environmental responsibility.

Resources

04 Jun 2026

ULCCS Showcases Cooperative Model at UN Symposium

Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) showcased its community-led development model at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where it participated as a panellist at the International Symposium on Cooperative Financial Institutions held on 28–29 May 2026.Jointly organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the International Cooperative Banking Association (ICBA), and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the symposium was held under the theme ‘Fuelling Inclusive and Equitable Growth’ and brought together policymakers,..

Infrastructure Transport

04 Jun 2026

Delhi Airport to Finalise 20-Year Master Plan

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) is finalising a 20-year master plan to guide long term infrastructure and operational development at Indira Gandhi International Airport, an official said. The operator expects the plan to reflect changes in the airline industry, shifts in the competitive landscape and evolving infrastructure requirements across terminals, airside and support services. The official said the document is likely to be ready in the next two to two-and-a-half months as the operator moves through planning stages. The plan will be prepared after consultations with airport users ..

Real Estate

04 Jun 2026

Aadhar Housing Finance Targets Rs 500 bn AUM By FY29

Aadhar Housing Finance has set a target to raise its asset under management to Rs 500 billion (bn) by the end of FY29, aiming to achieve this over the next three financial years through an 18-20 per cent loan growth trajectory. The firm focuses on the low-income segment with a ticket size of less than Rs 1.5 million (mn) and has relied on that segment to drive expansion. The company closed FY26 with an AUM of Rs 305.71 bn, reflecting the expansion in recent years, and it reported a net profit rise of 22 per cent to Rs 11.08 bn. Management indicated that gross non-performing assets stood at 1.0..