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Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has introduced a new ground-level monitoring initiative called “Road RADAR” to strengthen efforts aimed at reducing air pollution in Delhi. The program is designed to identify pollution hotspots quickly and improve coordination between departments for faster action against pollution sources.

Under the new system, dedicated field survey teams will regularly inspect roads across the national capital to track pollution-related problems such as road dust, garbage dumping, open burning, and construction debris.

Authorities say the initiative focuses on scientific monitoring, real-time reporting, and direct accountability to improve Delhi’s air quality management system.

Special Survey Teams to Monitor Delhi Roads

As part of the Road RADAR initiative, 13 field survey personnel have been deployed to monitor pollution conditions across Delhi’s road network.

These teams will collectively cover nearly 18,000 kilometers of roads spread across different civic jurisdictions, including areas managed by:

• Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
• New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)
• Public Works Department (PWD)
• Cantonment Board regions

Officials say the entire road network of Delhi will be inspected every month under the program.

Each surveyor has reportedly been assigned a daily target of monitoring at least 20 kilometers of roads to ensure continuous tracking of pollution sources across the city.

Delhi Government Says Pollution Fight Must Happen at Ground Level

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that improving air quality requires action at the street and neighborhood level rather than relying only on policy discussions.

According to the minister, the Road RADAR system introduces a scientific and accountable framework involving:

• Daily monitoring
• Instant reporting
• Department-level responsibility

The government believes this approach will help ensure pollution sources are identified quickly and not ignored repeatedly.

Officials also say the initiative aims to create stronger coordination between field teams and civic departments responsible for corrective action.

How the Road RADAR System Works

Survey teams will use the MCD-311 mobile application to conduct daily inspections and upload pollution-related reports directly from the field.

Every surveyor is expected to identify at least 70 pollution-related issues per day. Reports submitted through the app will include:

• Photographs
• Geo-tagged locations
• Detailed issue descriptions

Authorities estimate that nearly 1,000 pollution-related problems could be identified daily under the system.

The geo-tagging feature is expected to improve accuracy and allow departments to respond more efficiently.

The system has also been designed to prevent duplicate reporting, ensuring that the same complaint is not registered multiple times unnecessarily.

Which Pollution Sources Will Be Monitored?

Under the Road RADAR initiative, authorities will monitor 11 major categories of pollution sources commonly linked to poor air quality in Delhi.

The system will focus on identifying:

• Dust from damaged roads, broken footpaths, and potholes
• Loose sand and roadside debris
• Unauthorized parking areas
• Garbage dumping and overflowing waste sites
• Open burning of garbage, plastic, and biomass
• Construction and demolition waste
• Dust from construction sites
• Vacant land areas requiring greenery
• Other pollution sources detected during surveys

Officials say road dust and construction-related pollution remain among the biggest contributors to Delhi’s worsening air quality.

Complaints Will Be Sent Directly to Departments

One of the key features of the Road RADAR system is automatic complaint forwarding.

As soon as a surveyor uploads a pollution issue on the MCD-311 app, the complaint will automatically be routed to the concerned department responsible for taking action.

This is expected to reduce delays in response time and improve accountability among civic agencies.

Authorities believe faster reporting and direct communication between survey teams and departments will help control pollution more effectively.

Delhi Intensifying Pollution Control Measures

Delhi continues to face severe air pollution challenges every year, especially during winter months. Authorities have increasingly focused on using technology-driven systems, data monitoring, and local enforcement measures to improve air quality.

Environmental experts believe that identifying pollution hotspots at the ground level can help authorities target problem areas more effectively rather than relying only on city-wide restrictions.

The Road RADAR initiative reflects Delhi’s growing focus on real-time monitoring and localized pollution management strategies.

Officials hope the system will help reduce recurring pollution sources and support long-term efforts to improve air quality across the capital.