Haryana: CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Haryana Government to implement a project aimed at reducing Haryana road dust pollution and promoting sustainable urban road infrastructure.
The agreement was signed at CSIR-CRRI in New Delhi. The project will implement the Standard Framework for Paving and Greening of Urban Roads across Haryana. Moreover, CSIR-CRRI and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, will jointly execute the initiative under the guidance of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
CSIR-CRRI Director Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar said scientific and technology-driven solutions are essential to reduce road dust and improve urban air quality. Meanwhile, SPA Director Prof. Virendra Kumar Paul stressed the need for integrated planning and collaborative implementation to create cleaner urban road networks.
Haryana Urban Local Bodies Commissioner and Secretary Ashok Kumar said the state government remains committed to implementing the framework effectively. In addition, CAQM Member (Technical) Dr. S. D. Atri highlighted the importance of coordinated action among research institutions, government agencies and urban local bodies.
Haryana road dust framework focuses on four key measures
Road dust remains a major contributor to particulate pollution across the National Capital Region. Therefore, CAQM earlier issued a standard framework based on recommendations developed by CSIR-CRRI. The new agreement converts those recommendations into a structured implementation programme in Haryana.
The project will focus on four major areas. These include developing road space standards and cross-sections, promoting greening within road corridors, improving maintenance through a Road Asset Management System and adopting innovative construction technologies.
Furthermore, the initiative aims to strengthen sustainable urban infrastructure while reducing dust emissions. Officials said the programme will support cleaner roads and better air quality across the NCR region.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in the joint efforts of CSIR-CRRI, SPA New Delhi, CAQM and the Haryana Government. Together, they aim to create environmentally sustainable and better-managed urban road networks.
