In accordance with the CAQM directives, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board is undertaking a city-wide survey in Gurugram to ensure larger construction sites are adhering to mandatory dust pollution measures. Shockingly, of the estimated 3,000 sites, only 5% have registered on the government's dust pollution control portal. Sites found violating these regulations will face legal action and penalties. This initiative underscores the state's commitment to tackling pollution.
In line with regulations set by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has undertaken a massive survey to ensure construction and demolition sites are adhering to environmental norms.
These mandates necessitate construction sites larger than 500 square meters to install PM2.5 and PM10 sensors, which relay real-time data to a government-operated online portal. However, according to HSPCB officials, there's yet to be a site in the city that has installed these requisite sensors.
It is estimated by the district administration that Gurugram is home to around 3,000 large construction sites. Strikingly, only about 5% of these, a total of 176 sites, have registered on the dust pollution control portal.
The survey, conducted by six HSPCB teams of three members each, began earlier this month and will span a fortnight. Those found in violation of the regulations will face serious repercussions.
In January, following the CAQM's October 2021 directive, Haryana initiated real-time monitoring of pollution levels at construction sites. The monitoring portal includes a live dashboard displaying the air quality status in specified areas. Additionally, construction sites are required to implement measures such as fencing the construction area with green sheets, spraying water, and covering vehicles transporting construction and demolition waste, to mitigate dust pollution.
In conclusion, this robust survey in Gurugram underscores the state's commitment to controlling dust pollution, placing emphasis on the importance of construction sites complying with environmental norms. The outcome of the survey and its potential repercussions for non-compliant developers will be keenly watched by stakeholders across the region. This initiative also raises the bar for other states in India, illustrating a proactive approach in the fight against pollution.
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