Delhi Trains Over 170 Officials for Winter Dust Pollution Control: Implementing Sustainable Urban Solutions

Officials confirmed the workshop incorporated practical sessions focused on topographical and contour surveys to enhance dust control measures.

Preparing for the challenging winter pollution season, Delhi has trained more than 170 officials from 15 different government agencies on effective dust control strategies and sustainable road design principles. This comprehensive training took place during a one-day workshop organized by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) in partnership with the RaahGiri Foundation.

The workshop, titled "Breath of Change - Clean Air Dialogue," successfully brought together representatives from multiple agencies including MCD, DDA, NDMC, Delhi Police, NHAI, CPWD, PWD, DMRC, DJB, BSES, TPDDL, and IGL. According to officials, the primary focus was on implementing Complete Streets design methodologies aimed at reducing dust pollution, decreasing vehicular emissions, and preventing waste burning while promoting more sustainable transportation options.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized the importance of ground-level training for officials, stating, "The success of any plan lies in its execution. Tackling pollution requires coordination across government bodies, institutions, NGOs, experts, and citizens."

The workshop featured practical training components covering topographical and contour surveys, utility audits, vegetation mapping, surface audits, and the development of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) in accordance with CAQM guidelines. Officials noted that the CAQM Resource Lab provided demonstrations of standard design practices and templates to help engineers and officials implement these models throughout the NCR region.

Sirsa further explained that the Complete Streets framework addresses multiple pollution sources, including waste burning and vehicular emissions, while encouraging sustainable transportation alternatives. He advised, "Implement well, measure honestly, and maintain consistently; that is how Delhi can tackle dust pollution."

The day concluded with a half-day Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activity where participants engaged in mock audits and developed city-specific action plans for pollution control.

According to officials, this workshop forms part of the Delhi government's broader strategy to prepare for the winter season when pollution levels typically spike due to increased dust, vehicular emissions, and crop residue burning in neighboring states. They emphasized that training key personnel is essential for ensuring coordinated implementation of urban solutions aimed at improving air quality across the region.