Delhi CM Orders ‘Wall-to-Wall’ Road Construction to Combat Dust Pollution
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta allocates Rs 10 crore per MLA as capital battles hazardous air quality
NEW DELHI, December 13 — Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered the accelerated construction of wall-to-wall roads across the capital in a bid to tackle dust pollution, one of the primary contributors to the city’s deteriorating air quality.
The wall-to-wall road model, which eliminates unpaved spaces along road edges, is being implemented citywide as part of the government’s comprehensive anti-pollution strategy. CM Gupta identified flying dust as a major pollution contributor and described wall-to-wall roads as an effective long-term solution for dust control along road edges.
During a visit to the Shalimar Bagh Assembly Constituency on Friday, CM Gupta announced that each MLA has been allocated Rs 10 crore to initiate road construction in their respective areas. She emphasized that additional funds would be made available immediately if required for dust-control measures.
“Previous administrations neither ensured proper road width nor took dust control seriously. Their efforts remained confined to rhetoric and advertisements, the consequences of which Delhi is facing today,” CM Gupta said, criticizing past governments for failing to develop a serious plan to tackle pollution.
The Chief Minister instructed all MLAs to ensure that new construction and repair works strictly adhere to the wall-to-wall road model. She stressed that pollution control requires active public participation alongside government efforts, urging citizens to understand their role in reducing dust and smoke.
During her constituency visit, CM Gupta inaugurated several development projects, including road construction, drain repairs, sewer line installations, high-mast lights, and park redevelopment works in various blocks and villages.
The announcement comes as Delhi continues to battle severe air pollution. On Saturday morning, the city’s Air Quality Index reached 397, categorized as ‘very poor,’ with several monitoring stations including Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, and ITO recording readings above 400 in the ‘severe’ category.
As part of broader pollution-control measures, the government has also launched a citywide cleanliness drive targeting garbage clearance, debris removal, and construction site monitoring. Night patrolling guards are being provided with electric heaters to prevent burning wood or waste during winter, and the government has initiated a program to provide electric or gas-powered irons to press workers.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said inspections are being conducted three times a week under the Chief Minister’s directions, with an extensive drive targeting industries and construction sites planned for next week.
CM Gupta stated that building a developed Delhi is the government’s clear objective and that her administration is committed to finding a permanent solution to the capital’s pollution crisis.
