Delhi Government launches anti-dust campaign to tackle pollution, sets 14 point construction guidelines

The rules mandate that all construction sites must be covered with tin sheets to prevent dust from spreading into the surroundings. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

In a bid to curb rising dust pollution during the winter months, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai unveiled a comprehensive 14-point construction guideline as part of the city’s ‘Winter Action Plan‘ on Saturday (September 28, 2024).

“The rules aim to tackle dust pollution from the construction sites, which is a major contributor to the city’s declining air quality,” Mr. Rai said.

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He stated that these guidelines will be strictly enforced starting October 7, 2024 — adding any violations after this date will lead to penalties — with the repeat offenders facing a halt in the construction activities.

The rules mandate that all construction sites must be covered with tin sheets to prevent dust from spreading into the surroundings.

“People involved in any kind of construction work, whether private, government or company-driven, must ensure compliance with these rules,” Mr. Rai emphasised during his press conference.

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Mr. Rai stated that all construction areas must be enclosed with tin sheets, vehicles transporting construction materials must have clean tires, and materials like sand and gravel must be covered to prevent dust from spilling onto the roads.

“To control dust, regular water sprinkling at the construction sites is compulsory,” he added.

Mr. Rai further said that workers must be provided with dust masks and health kits at all times.

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The Delhi Government has also deployed 523 teams from 13 departments to monitor compliance. “These teams will inspect the construction sites around the clock, ensuring that the new norms are followed to prevent dust pollution,” he said.

“The anti-dust campaign will run from October 7 to November 7 as part of the winter action plan to tackle pollution in the capital,” Mr. Rai added.