Despite the impending winter air quality crisis in Delhi-NCR, only 220 out of 3,000 construction sites in Gurugram have registered on the dust portal. Launched by the Haryana government in response to air quality concerns, the portal monitors pollution levels at construction sites and enforces compliance with emission reduction rules. Haryana State Pollution Control Board officials have vowed to take strict action against non-compliant sites. However, construction agencies cite the high costs involved in compliance, particularly for smaller projects. This highlights the need for a more concerted effort to combat air pollution in the region.
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Despite the looming winter and the threat of hazardous air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, only 220 out of approximately 3,000 construction sites in Gurugram have registered on the government's dust portal. This low compliance rate underscores a concerning trend of business-as-usual in the construction industry, despite regulations aimed at curbing air pollution.
The dust portal was introduced by the Haryana government in January of the previous year following directives from the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) in October 2021. Its purpose is to provide real-time data on pollution levels at construction and demolition sites, offering a live dashboard for monitoring ambient air quality.
The mandate requires all large construction sites with an area exceeding 500 square meters to register on the portal. This allows authorities to oversee emission levels and ensure that developers adhere to pollution reduction regulations.
In response to the lack of compliance, officials from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) have pledged to take stringent action against defaulters. The board has been directed to assess the number of defaulters in Gurgaon.
As of now, only 23 of the registered sites have installed sensors and real-time video links to monitor dust mitigation measures. CAQM's expert panel has established rules mandating all large construction and demolition sites across the NCR to register on the portal and provide live video feeds for continuous dust mitigation monitoring. Furthermore, these sites are required to install reliable and cost-effective PM2.5 and PM10 sensors and link them to a platform with a live dashboard accessible to the pollution control board.
Every year, the arrival of winter in the Delhi-NCR region leads to hazardous levels of air pollution due to a combination of meteorological factors and emissions. To combat this, CAQM implements the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes measures like halting construction activities and shutting down factories across the NCR. Construction agencies have cited the high costs associated with compliance as a major challenge.
Installing sensors and video infrastructure, along with other pollution mitigation measures, can be financially burdensome, particularly for smaller construction units with limited resources. Additionally, some developers are unable to complete their projects due to funding issues, making it difficult for them to invest in air pollution control measures.
In addition to registering on the portal, construction sites are required to use green sheets along their fences, sprinkle water to control dust, and cover vehicles transporting construction and demolition materials. However, the lack of comprehensive compliance across Gurugram highlights the need for a more concerted effort to combat air pollution and protect public health in the Delhi-NCR region.
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