New Delhi: In a major step towards reducing road dust pollution and improving air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), the CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Haryana government to implement a sustainable urban road infrastructure framework.
The project, titled “Implementation of the Standard Framework for Paving and Greening of Urban Roads (Haryana State),” will be carried out jointly by CSIR-CRRI and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, in coordination with the Haryana government under the guidance of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Road dust has emerged as one of the major contributors to particulate pollution in NCR. The initiative aims to reduce dust emissions through scientific road planning, improved maintenance practices and green infrastructure.
The framework will focus on four key areas — developing better road designs and space standards, promoting greenery along roads, improving maintenance through a Road Asset Management System (RAMS), and adopting modern technologies for road construction.
CSIR-CRRI Director Dr Ch. Ravi Sekhar highlighted the importance of technology-driven solutions to improve urban air quality, while SPA Director Prof. Virendra Kumar Paul stressed the need for integrated planning for cleaner and greener cities.
Haryana Urban Local Bodies Department Commissioner and Secretary Ashok Kumar said the state government would ensure effective implementation of the framework.
CAQM Member (Technical) Dr S.D. Atri said coordinated efforts among research institutions, government agencies and urban bodies were essential to control road dust emissions.
The agreement marks a significant move towards cleaner roads, improved air quality and sustainable urban development across NCR.
