As part of the AAP government’s ongoing anti-dust campaign, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday conducted a surprise inspection at the sports complex construction site in Pitampura, and found irregularities related to dust control.

Accordingly, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) was directed to impose a fine of Rs 50,000 on the construction company. Instructions have also been given to impose a financial penalty on a daily basis for not giving a satisfactory reply to the notice issued by the DPCC.

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The Minister said it is necessary to implement 14 rules of dust control at construction sites and added that action will be taken if these are violated.

He said the officials have been instructed to regularly inspect construction sites.

The Minister highlighted that the Delhi government’s strict measures have led to continuous improvements in the city’s air quality.

“Due to the steps taken by the city government, Delhi’s air pollution has seen a reduction of 34.6 per cent in the last nine years. To tackle pollution during the winter season, a Winter Action Plan based on 21 focus points was announced on 25th September. To further improve air quality, under the Winter Action Plan, our government has launched an anti-dust campaign in Delhi for one month starting from 7th October,” he said.

The Minister said that as part of the anti-dust campaign, 523 teams from 13 departments have been deployed across the city for monitoring.

He said that all construction sites larger than 500 square meters must now register on the Construction and Demolition (C&D) portal.

“All departments have been instructed to inspect C&D sites and take action on any violations of the 14 dust control guidelines,” the Minister said.

He informed that additionally, 85 mechanical road sweeping (MRS) machines and 500 water sprinklers have been deployed to curb dust pollution.