Road dust can contain toxic metals, brake materials and other pollutants that can cause health issues. Photographs by Vikas Choudhary
Air

CAQM directs Delhi-NCR to submit report on combating road dust pollution

Dust, fog and vehicular emissions contribute to unbreathable air in the capital

Vikas Choudhary

With air quality index (AQI) constantly fluctuating between severe and very severe categories in the national capital, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed the administrations in Delhi-NCR to submit a report on how they seek to curb road dust pollution.

Road dust is created by the wear and tear of vehicles and roads, as well as by dirt and debris from construction and cargo trucks. Wind, weather, and vehicle movement spread the dust in the air.

The states have to submit their reports by February 28. Road dust is one of the major contributors to PM 10 levels in the air.