In a significant move to curb dust pollution and improve air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued detailed technical and operational guidelines for the deployment of Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs). The new regulations will apply to all road-owning and maintenance agencies across the NCR.
Highlighting road dust as a major contributor to rising PM10 and PM2.5 levels, particularly during dry months, the Commission noted that the absence of uniform and scientific dust-removal practices has adversely affected air quality. The newly issued norms aim to standardise machine capacity, road coverage, and operational performance to ensure effective dust control.
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Under the technical guidelines, MRSMs have been categorised based on road width and machine capacity. Large machines with a capacity of over four cubic metres will be deployed on roads wider than 15 metres, while medium machines with a capacity of one to four cubic metres will be used on roads measuring between 10 and 15 metres. Smaller machines with a capacity of less than one cubic metre will be assigned to roads narrower than 10 metres.
The CAQM has mandated that only CNG- or electric-powered machines be used for mechanical road sweeping. All machines must also be equipped with water spray systems and dust filters to prevent re-suspension of particulate matter into the air.
The Commission has also laid down strict operational norms. Each machine must operate for a minimum of eight hours daily. Large and medium machines are required to clean approximately 40 kilometres of road in an eight-hour shift, while small machines have been assigned a target of 20 kilometres. Agencies have also been directed to announce road-cleaning schedules in advance to minimise public inconvenience.
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In addition, the CAQM has instructed authorities to provide handheld vacuum cleaning devices for staff to clean road edges and footpaths. The collected dust must be disposed of scientifically to prevent secondary pollution.
Emphasising the importance of effective road dust removal in controlling particulate pollution, the Commission said it will closely monitor compliance with the new regulations to ensure improved air quality in the NCR.