CSIR-CRRI and Haryana partner under CAQM to implement a science-backed standard for paving and greening NCR's urban roads

Road dust from unsealed roads and unpaved footpaths is one of the top contributors to PM10 in Haryana's NCR cities; an MoA between CSIR-CRRI and the Haryana government — co-implemented with SPA New Delhi — brings an evidence-based paving and greening standard under CAQM oversight.

What happened

• The CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), New Delhi, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Government of Haryana for implementation of 'The Standard Framework for Paving and Greening of Urban Roads (Haryana State)' — a science-backed approach to urban road dust mitigation.
• The project is implemented jointly by CSIR-CRRI and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, in collaboration with Haryana, under the guidance of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM).
• Road dust from unsealed roads, unpaved footpaths and bare construction sites is one of the largest contributors to PM10 and PM2.5 in NCR cities — Haryana's urban areas (Faridabad, Gurugram, Panipat, Sonipat, Manesar, etc.) fall within CAQM's jurisdiction and face severe dust-driven air quality deterioration, especially in the dry summer months.
• CSIR-CRRI Director Dr Ravi Sekhar highlighted the importance of science and technology-driven interventions — the institute develops road-construction materials, pavement engineering standards and dust-suppression techniques for Indian conditions.
• SPA Director Prof Virendra Kumar Paul emphasised the role of integrated urban planning — linking road design with green-cover placement, tree-planting standards and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure — to achieve both cleaner air and more liveable streets.
• The Haryana government expressed commitment to effective implementation; the MoA represents a formal science–government–planning partnership to bring a standardised, evidence-based framework for urban road dust management, contributing to the NCR's air-quality improvement mandate.

For Prelims

• CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas): A statutory body established under the CAQM Act, 2021 — replacing the Supreme Court-directed EPCA (Environment Pollution Prevention & Control Authority). Covers Delhi and adjoining districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Know it as the apex NCR air-quality regulator with statutory power.
• Road dust as a PM source: Road dust (re-suspension of particles from unsealed roads, construction and vehicle movement) is a top PM10 contributor in Indian cities, especially NCR. Distinct from vehicular tailpipe emissions, industrial emissions and stubble burning — each requires a different intervention. CAQM regulates all.
• CSIR-CRRI: Central Road Research Institute — a CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) laboratory under the Ministry of Science and Technology. India's apex research institute for road construction, pavement engineering, traffic safety and road materials. Key for dust-suppression, bituminous pavement and road-safety research.
• SPA (School of Planning and Architecture): A National Institute of Importance under the Ministry of Education, New Delhi — India's premier institution for architecture, urban planning and design. Its involvement signals the urban-planning dimension: not just paving but integrated street design with greenery, footpaths and livability.
• PM2.5 vs PM10: Particulate Matter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) penetrates deep into the lungs — the more dangerous of the two. PM10 (<10 µm) causes respiratory irritation. WHO and CPCB set annual and 24-hour standards for both. Road dust primarily contributes to PM10, but fine fractions also contribute to PM2.5 especially near construction sites.
• EPCA vs CAQM transition: The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) was a Supreme Court-created body for NCR air; replaced by the statutory CAQM (2021) with broader powers, larger geographic mandate (includes Haryana, UP, Rajasthan districts) and clearer legal force. Know this transition for GS2/GS3.
• Greening of urban roads: Planting trees, shrubs and grass along road medians and verges reduces airborne dust by acting as windbreaks and trapping particles — also reduces the urban heat island effect. A dual air-quality-and-climate co-benefit. The SPA brings design standards for this.
• Don't confuse: CAQM (NCR-specific air quality) is NOT CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board — national standard-setter for all pollution). And CSIR-CRRI (roads and transport) is distinct from CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, pollution/environment) or CSIR-IIP (petroleum/fuels).

For Mains

Syllabus: GS1.5 · GS3.12 · Linkage L2