The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) missed its January deadline to make 27 roads dust-free, leaving several key thoroughfares still affected by dust and debris. The missed target has prompted criticism from residents and civic groups who have long urged faster action to curb airborne particulate matter. City administrators had announced the plan as part of routine maintenance and anti-pollution efforts ahead of the dry season. Accumulated dust on the roads has raised concerns about public health and road safety, as fine particulates degrade local air quality and can aggravate respiratory conditions. The presence of dust has also been associated with reduced visibility for motorists and added cleaning burdens for businesses along the affected routes. Municipal maintenance typically involves mechanical sweeping and periodic spraying of water to suppress dust, measures that residents say have been inconsistently applied. Municipal officials acknowledged delays and attributed them to logistical challenges related to equipment deployment and workforce scheduling, while indicating that remedial work will be prioritised in the coming weeks. They outlined plans to sequence cleaning operations to cover the pending roads and to monitor progress through regular inspections. Local councillors have called for greater transparency on timelines and for the provision of resources to sustain the cleaning programme beyond one-off interventions. The failure to meet the deadline highlights wider challenges in urban upkeep as cities contend with seasonal variations and rising expectations from residents for cleaner streets. Observers said sustained coordination between municipal departments, contractors and community stakeholders will be essential to ensure targets are met and to prevent recurring lapses. The MCG is expected to publish an updated schedule and progress report so that citizens can track completion of the works.