The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has mandated construction companies in Delhi to register on a designated web portal before the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) takes effect on October 1. The updated GRAP focuses on mitigating dust pollution, requiring adherence to a 14-point dust mitigation measure and a 27-point checklist for projects over 500 sqm. DPCC has introduced an online self-assessment portal, urging construction agencies to register for monitoring and assessment purposes. Failure to register may lead to a halt in construction activities. The move aims to enhance air quality in Delhi by enforcing strict dust control measures.
Delhi, in anticipation of the updated Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) effective from October 1, is urging construction firms to register on a dedicated web portal. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has mandated registration for construction companies, emphasizing that activities will not be permitted without this prerequisite.
In alignment with environmental concerns, the DPCC is reinforcing a comprehensive set of 14-point dust mitigation measures applicable to all project stakeholders engaged in construction or demolition activities within Delhi. Additionally, for projects exceeding 500 square meters, a detailed 27-point checklist has been introduced to curtail dust pollution.
To streamline this process, the DPCC has introduced an online mechanism named "Dust Pollution Control Self-Assessment" accessible at http://dustcontroldpcc(dot)delhi(dot)gov(dot)in. This portal facilitates self-assessment by construction agencies regarding dust pollution on their sites. The initiative is in response to directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas issued on June 11, 2021.
Registration on the portal is not merely administrative; it plays a crucial role in the effective monitoring and evaluation of dust control measures at construction sites. Project proponents are obligated to conduct self-audits and determine compliance with dust control measures, subsequently uploading a self-declaration every fortnight.
A pivotal aspect of the portal includes the provision for video fencing with remote connectivity for projects within the municipal area of the National Capital Region (NCR) with a plot area equal to or greater than 500 square meters. Moreover, the DPCC mandates the installation of reliable, low-cost PM2.5 and PM10 sensors at project sites, linking them to a cloud storage platform with a live dashboard on the web portal.
The 14-point guidelines set by DPCC encompass a range of measures. These include the installation of dust/wind breaking walls around the construction site, the deployment of smog guns at sites, covering construction materials, and vehicles transporting such materials, as well as the sprinkling of water on unpaved roads to suppress dust.
Under the revised GRAP, the implementation of dust mitigation measures is triggered at Stage-1 when the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi exceeds 201. This proactive approach aligns with efforts to address air quality concerns promptly.
In essence, the DPCC's directive not only underscores the urgency of addressing dust pollution in the construction sector but also emphasizes the importance of adopting advanced technological solutions for monitoring and compliance. The move towards online self-assessment reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability, fostering a collaborative effort between regulatory bodies and construction stakeholders to mitigate environmental impacts and enhance air quality in the capital. As Delhi prepares for the GRAP to come into effect, these measures serve as a proactive strategy to tackle pollution at its source and uphold the well-being of the region's residents.
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