The State Pollution Control Board clarified that less-polluting construction activities, such as steel binding and carpentry, are allowed under GRAP stages 3 and 4, with dust control measures in place. This clarification followed a complaint from CREDAI, which highlighted the misinterpretation of CAQM guidelines by local officials, resulting in unnecessary work stoppages. CREDAI emphasized that such tasks, if compliant with dust control measures, should be permitted. UPPCB clarified that only dust-intensive activities like excavation and demolition are banned. CREDAI welcomed the clarification, noting that work had resumed at several construction sites in Noida and Greater Noida.
The State Pollution Control Board has clarified that less-polluting construction activities, such as steel binding and carpentry, are allowed under GRAP stages 3 and 4, as long as strict dust control measures are in place. This clarification follows a complaint from CREDAI regarding enforcement officers in the city misinterpreting CAQM guidelines and imposing a blanket ban on all construction activities. The board emphasized that only certain dust-generating tasks, like excavation and demolition, are banned under GRAP.
In a letter dated November 22, CREDAI NCR Secretary Gaurav Gupta raised concerns that local enforcement officials were imposing a blanket ban on all construction and demolition (C&D) activities, contrary to CAQM's guidelines. CREDAI argued that less-polluting tasks, such as steel binding, shuttering, and carpentry, are explicitly permitted under CAQM rules, provided they follow dust control measures. The association stated that this misinterpretation was leading to significant project delays, causing hardship for thousands of workers, and negatively affecting homebuyers.
CREDAI cited CAQM orders issued on September 17, November 14, and November 17, which outline the actions to be taken under GRAP. These guidelines ban specific dust-generating activities, such as excavation, piling, and road construction, but explicitly allow less-polluting tasks, provided they adhere to the Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Management Rules. Gupta stated that this misinterpretation had caused unnecessary work stoppages, leading to distress for thousands of construction workers in the NCR region and delays in crucial projects. He noted that these disruptions were resulting in substantial losses and harm to homebuyers. Gupta called on the UPPCB to issue clear directives to enforcement teams to prevent further confusion.
Utsav Sharma, the UPPCB regional officer, emphasized that GRAP guidelines do not impose a blanket ban on all construction and demolition activities at any stage. He explained that during Stages 3 and 4, specific guidelines are in place for construction sites to control dust pollution. Sharma clarified that during Stage 4 of GRAP, all activities prohibited under Stage 3 would remain prohibited. However, as in Stage 3, less polluting or dust-generating activities are permitted during Stage 4, provided they strictly comply with the C&D Waste Management Rules and relevant directives.
The UPPCB urged all construction sites in Noida and Greater Noida to implement specific measures to reduce dust pollution and comply with environmental guidelines. These measures include the use of water sprinklers, dust suppressants, and anti-smog guns to control airborne particles. Nikhil Hawelia, the joint secretary of CREDAI NCR and MD of Hawelia Group, mentioned that the UPPCB's clarification had alleviated concerns within the real estate sector, as work had now resumed at several sites in Noida.
In conclusion, the clarification by the State Pollution Control Board has provided much-needed clarity to the construction sector, especially in Noida and Greater Noida, where confusion over GRAP guidelines had led to disruptions. By permitting less-polluting activities with proper dust control measures, the board has ensured that critical construction projects can resume without compromising environmental standards. CREDAI's concerns were addressed, leading to a resolution that supports both the real estate sector and the workforce. The UPPCB's ongoing efforts to monitor and enforce compliance with dust control measures will be essential in maintaining a balance between construction activities and environmental protection.
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