Delhi govt launches comprehensive road assessment for cleaner air

The environmental department of the Delhi government has opted to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the road conditions within the capital to identify areas with potholes, unpaved stretches, broken footpaths, and central verges. These issues contribute to air pollution and necessitate dust management interventions. Initially, a survey will cover over 1500 km of roads maintained by the Public Works Department. Subsequently, roads maintained by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Development Authority may also fall under the project's scope. The assessment of PWD-managed roads is expected to span six months from commissioning, involving a survey in the first month and data analysis and report preparation in the subsequent five months. The project is anticipated to commence in the next fiscal year. A senior official from the Delhi government emphasised the importance of a well-maintained road network for reducing road accidents, minimising traffic congestion, and decreasing travel time. The official highlighted the need for an up-to-date assessment encompassing various parameters such as road quality, pavement condition, road safety, street furniture, and road design. Officials pointed out that dust, whether from construction activities or roads, significantly contributes to PM10 and PM2.5 in ambient air. Dust's impact rises to 31-34% in summers and ranges from 6-15% during winters. The survey aims to pinpoint critical areas in the city with subpar road conditions and utilise the collected data to plan interventions like maintenance, repairs, or dust management. The road assessment will be conducted using an accredited network survey vehicle (NSV) employing advanced techniques. NSVs can gather crucial information such as longitudinal and transverse profiling, pavement texture, road geometry data, and video imaging for roadside furniture and pavement surface distresses, even at high speeds. The environmental department has initiated the process to engage an agency for the exercise, and detailed reports will be required after each phase to facilitate corrective actions.