Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has taken action against construction agencies violating anti-dust norms in Sarai Kale Khan. As part of the anti-dust campaign, Rai inspected construction sites and found that they lacked important equipment to prevent dust pollution. He directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to issue notices to the concerned project proponents. If the violators fail to respond within 24 hours, they will face penalties. Rai launched a month-long drive to prevent dust pollution in the capital and promised strict action against those who violate norms.
The central government’s air quality panel has also directed authorities in the National Capital Region to enforce a ban on coal usage in hotels and restaurants and take punitive measures against polluting industries and thermal power plants. This is part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) implemented during the winter season to combat air pollution.
The Anti-Dust Campaign includes installing dust control equipment at construction sites larger than 500 square meters. Real-time monitoring is available through a web portal. Rai stated that 591 teams have been formed to ensure compliance with dust control norms, using water sprinklers and anti-smog guns to combat dust pollution. Separate action plans have been designed for each of the 13 air pollution hotspots in Delhi based on real-time air quality data collected from 40 monitoring stations.
Last month, the Delhi government launched a 15-point action plan to mitigate air pollution during the winter season, focusing on addressing dust pollution, vehicular emissions, and open burning of garbage.
