Delhi's Civic Body Fines 30 Government Construction Sites for Dust Violations

                The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has identified and penalised several government-related construction projects for failing to comply with dust control measures. This action 
comes as part of efforts to address escalating pollution levels, especially during the winter months when air quality deteriorates notably.
Recent inspections revealed that several government construction sites, including the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) projects in Sarojini Nagar, Netaji Nagar, and 
Nauroji Nagar, were not adhering to dust control guidelines. These violations are particularly concerning given the scale and government affiliation of these projects. Additionally, 
construction activities at Lady Hardinge Hospital and Karnataka Bhawan complexes, both situated in Delhi's high-profile areas, were also found guilty of similar infractions.
In total, NDMC identified 30 violators, imposing a fine of Rs 50,000 per infraction. The cumulative penalties have reached Rs 15 lakh, underscoring the council's commitment to enforcing 
environmental regulations. The fines are part of a broader initiative to promote sustainable construction practices and minimise airborne dust, which significantly contributes to Delhi's 
notorious air pollution.
These measures align with directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which has mandated the implementation of GRAP-1 (Graded Response Action Plan) 
measures starting October 15th in the Delhi NCR region. The GRAP-1 measures are specifically designed to mitigate winter pollution, a period when air quality in Delhi deteriorates to 
hazardous levels due to a confluence of factors, including construction dust, vehicular emissions, and industrial activities.
The crackdown on these violations signals a strong commitment from local authorities to improving air quality and highlights the need for all stakeholders to adhere diligently to 
environmental regulations. As Delhi continues to battle pollution, such stringent actions are essential to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with environmental standards.


Source : Economic Times