NEW DELHI: With the air quality of national capital worsening day by day and the Air Quality Index above 300 mark (very poor category) in most of the regions, the Delhi government has formed 586 teams to ensure compliance of the rules like ban on construction and demolition activities.
Addressing a press conference, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that as per experts, wind speed and direction would become unfavourable from November 1 and push the air quality index into the ‘severe’ category.
“We have held a meeting with all construction agencies in the capital and government departments concerned, including the PWD, MCD, Railways, DDA and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. We have decided to implement the ban on construction and demolition activities in the city,” the Minister said.
Under stage III of GRAP, the authorities have been asked to enforce a strict ban on construction and demolition activities in the NCR, except for essential projects and non-polluting activities such as plumbing, carpentry, interior decoration and electrical works. The restrictions will not be applicable on essential projects concerning national security, defence, railways and metro rail among others
It also bans the operation of batching plants; laying of sewer lines, waterline, drainage work and electric cabling through open trench system; cutting and fixing of tiles, stones and other flooring materials; grinding activities; piling work; water proofing work; road construction and repair works, including paving of sidewalks, pathways and central verges among others.