The CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and the Government of Haryana on Monday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the implementation of the project titled “The Implementation of the Standard Framework for Paving and Greening of Urban Roads (Haryana State)” at CSIR-CRRI, New Delhi.
The project will be implemented jointly by CSIR-CRRI and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Government of Haryana under the guidance of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar, Director, CSIR-CRRI, highlighted the importance of scientific and technology-driven interventions for mitigating road dust and improving urban air quality. He emphasised the role of CSIR-CRRI in developing practical and sustainable solutions for cleaner and safer urban environments.
Prof. Virendra Kumar Paul, Director, SPA New Delhi, underscored the importance of integrated urban planning and collaborative implementation in achieving cleaner and greener urban road networks.
Sh. Ashok Kumar, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department, Government of Haryana, appreciated the efforts of CSIR-CRRI, SPA New Delhi and CAQM in developing a comprehensive framework for road dust mitigation and expressed the Haryana Government’s commitment towards its effective implementation.
Dr. S. D. Atri, Member (Technical), CAQM, highlighted the significance of the framework in mitigating road dust emissions, which he described as one of the major contributors to particulate air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). He emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts among research institutions, state agencies and urban local bodies for effective implementation of the framework.
The MoA was formally exchanged between the participating organisations in the presence of senior officials from CAQM, the Government of Haryana, CSIR-CRRI and SPA New Delhi.
According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, road dust has been identified as a major contributor to particulate air pollution in the NCR. To address the issue, CAQM had issued the Standard Framework and Detailed Guidance Document for Paving and Greening of Urban Roads based on recommendations developed by CSIR-CRRI. The agreement aims to operationalise these recommendations in Haryana through a structured implementation programme.
The project will focus on four major work packages: development of space standards and road cross-sections; mitigation of road dust through greening measures within the right-of-way; improvement of road maintenance practices through a Road Asset Management System (RAMS); and adoption of innovative technologies for road construction and maintenance.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vinod Karar, Scientist-G and Head, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division, CSIR-CRRI, followed by networking interactions among participants.
