The guidelines require project operators to adopt multiple dust mitigation steps.
Delhi-NCR Pollution: Dust from Construction a Major Factor, New Rules from April 1
Dust generated from construction, demolition and road activities continues to be a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi-NCR, accounting for around 15 per cent in winter and up to 27 per cent during summer, according to officials.
Highlighting concerns over weak compliance, Commission for Air Quality Management technical member S D Attri said that despite existing regulations and periodic inspections by pollution control boards, gaps remain in the implementation of dust control norms at project sites.
Against this backdrop, the commission has decided to enforce stricter measures for construction and demolition activities across the region, with revised directions set to take effect from April 1.
The guidelines require project operators to adopt multiple dust mitigation steps, including installation of low-cost air quality sensors, use of dust barriers, regular water sprinkling and covering of construction materials and waste.
The directions were initially issued on February 20 after the commission observed that dust from such activities was consistently adding to ambient PM10 and PM2.5 levels across the National Capital Region.
The measures are also aimed at improving debris management and ensuring better adherence to prescribed norms at construction sites as authorities work to address pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.
