Delhi fines NCR builders Rs 1.2 cr, forms inspection squads to fight pollution

For representational purpose

With the air pollution reaching alarming levels in the Delhi NCR (National Capital Region) after Diwali, the enforcement authorities have swung into action against violators and imposed penalties of at least Rs 1.2 crore across NCR against real estate builders for carrying out construction activities despite the ban.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had on November 5 imposed stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes a blanket ban on construction activities, burning of garbage, a ban on plying diesel trucks and other heavy vehicles among others. Non-essential construction activities were banned on November 3 when the Centre’s air quality panel imposed GRAP stage III. The GRAP action depends on four stages of pollution: Stage I - 'poor' (Air Quality Index 201-300); Stage II - 'very poor' (AQI 301-400); Stage III - 'severe' (AQI 401-450); and Stage IV - 'severe plus' (AQI above 450).

The district administration and other enforcement authorities in Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram have formed teams to check violations, especially construction and demolition activities.

Strict enforcement

An official of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) said that as many as 14 teams have been formed in Noida to check if real estate developers are adhering to GRAP norms and ensuring that no construction is being carried out in the region. The enforcement squads are also checking other violations such as burning of garbage, use of coal and plying of diesel trucks and BS IV diesel vehicles.

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“We are strictly implementing the pollution control measures and special teams have been formed to check pollution activities, especially at construction sites and industries. Challans are being issued against violators. Penalties worth Rs 1 crore have been imposed against builders in Noida alone for violating pollution control norms,” the official, who wished not to be named, told Moneycontrol.

Construction activities have been stalled at nearly 200 sites in Greater Noida and Ghaziabad, another UPPCB official said.

The air quality remained in the ‘very poor’ category on Tuesday morning, with the AQI at 361. It improved slightly from 403 (severe category) on Monday evening.

Also Read: Delhi-NCR air pollution: 'Not a hill station,' says internet as smog struggles return

An official of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) said that eight teams have been formed to check violations and ensure that pollution control norms are followed in Greater Noida.

“During the vigil, the construction was stopped at around 129 sites after the ban was invoked. So far challans worth Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh have been issued against real estate developers for violating pollution norms. The vigil will continue until further orders,” an official of the Greater Noida Authority said.

Steps taken by Gurugram Authority

Apart from forming enforcement squads, the district town and country planning (DTCP) department in Gurugram has a helpline number for residents to report construction activities underway in their neighbourhoods. Following the complaints, the department will inspect the site and take appropriate action.

“We have formed three teams to check violations and also put in place a helpline number 9667143648 to file complaints against any construction work in Gurugram. Residents can register a complaint about GRAP rule violations such as ongoing construction activities by dialling the helpline number. So far penalties worth Rs 2.5 lakh have been issued against 10 developers here,” an official of the DTCP said.

He said that the department has also issued an advisory to builders to follow pollution control guidelines.