Construction sites in Gomtinagar Extension, Kanpur Road, and old city areas of Lucknow are flouting National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines, leading to rising air pollution and health risks. Mandatory measures like covering materials, using dust barriers, and cleaning vehicles are being ignored, particularly in areas like Omaxe City, Transportnagar, and Khadra. Residents report respiratory issues, especially among children and the elderly, while experts warn of severe health risks from fine dust particles. Authorities have pledged stricter inspections and penalties to ensure compliance. The issue highlights the need for immediate enforcement to protect public health and the environment.
Widespread violations of National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines have been reported at construction sites across Gomtinagar Extension, Kanpur Road, and parts of the old city, leading to a significant rise in air pollution. Mandatory measures such as covering construction materials, using dust barriers, and cleaning vehicles are being ignored, exacerbating health risks. Residents have expressed concerns about respiratory problems, particularly among vulnerable groups. Experts emphasise the urgency of strict enforcement and public involvement to curb pollution. Authorities have assured regular inspections and penalties to address the issue.
Several construction sites in Gomtinagar Extension, Kanpur Road, and parts of the old city have been found violating National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines, resulting in a significant rise in air pollution. A recent investigation revealed widespread negligence, endangering public health. The NGT mandates specific measures to minimise dust and pollution at construction sites. These include covering construction materials such as sand, bricks, and cement, installing dust barriers, implementing water sprinkling, and ensuring proper waste disposal. Additionally, the use of eco-friendly materials and cleaning vehicles exiting sites to prevent dust spread on roads are required. Regular inspections and penalties are meant to enforce compliance.
Despite these guidelines, violations were evident in areas such as Gomtinagar Extension, particularly around Omaxe City, as well as Transportnagar, Chowk, Khadra, Balaganj, and Thakurganj. The situation is further exacerbated by poor road conditions in several locations. Local residents have raised alarms about the health risks posed by unchecked pollution. Vishal Sahu, a resident of Gomtinagar Extension, stated that dust from construction activities was causing respiratory problems, particularly affecting children and the elderly. Similarly, Rajnarayan Singh from Transportnagar emphasised the challenges posed by constant pollution and called for strict penalties against violators.
Environmental and health experts have echoed these concerns, calling for immediate action. Professor Venkatesh Datta from the environmental sciences department at BBAU stressed the importance of enforcing NGT guidelines, noting that public involvement was crucial for compliance. Professor RAS Kushwaha from KGMU's respiratory department highlighted the severe health risks associated with fine dust particles, such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic lung diseases. He recommended the use of protective masks by residents and workers and urged construction sites to implement dust control measures without delay.
Responding to the situation, LDA Additional Secretary Gyanendra Verma assured that authorities were aware of the violations and were taking measures to address them. He confirmed that regular inspections would be conducted, and fines would be imposed on defaulters to ensure adherence to environmental guidelines. These developments underline the urgent need for stricter enforcement of NGT rules to safeguard public health and the environment from the hazards of construction-related pollution.
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