Amid rising pollution, Admn puts curbs on activities causing dust

The Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) has decided to impose a penalty — from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh — for holding activities, such as construction, holding events in open spaces, causing dust pollution in the city. The fine will be doubled in winter months every year.

The decision was taken in the 75th governing body meeting of the CPCC held today under the chairmanship of Mandip Singh Brar, Chairman, CPCC-cum-Home Secretary, UT.

The governing body discussed draft standard operating procedures (SOPs) for imposing environmental compensation (EC) for violations related to the management of plastic waste, dust, construction and demolition (C&D) waste, solid waste, etc, for which the methodology was provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The same has been adopted by the CPCC in levying environmental compensation for breaches of environmental laws and conditions.

The governing body approved the SOPs for imposing environmental compensation on dust-generating activities, such as holding events on open spaces or leaving spaces with loose soil with area exceeding 300 square metre. The compensation for these violations will range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh per event, and the penalties will be progressively enhanced for repeat violations.

It was also decided that the compensation shall be doubled during the winter season — from October 15 to February 15 — each year, to address increased air pollution concerns during this period.

The governing body emphasised the need for the CPCC to develop an effective system for e-waste management, ensuring that every citizen is well-informed about the proper disposal mechanisms. The members stressed that doorstep collection services should be launched to facilitate convenient and responsible e-waste disposal.

The meeting also considered the proposal for creation of posts and framing of service rules for the staff of the CPCC titled “Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (Method of Recruitment, Terms and Conditions of Service of Officers and other Employees other than Chairman and Member Secretary) Rules, 2025.” Earlier, the agenda items were discussed and deliberated upon by the committee members. Action taken report (ATR) on the decisions made in the previous meeting was reviewed by the committee. While expressing satisfaction over the progress achieved on various decisions, it emphasised the need for prompt action on the pending matters by the departments concerned on a priority basis.

The meeting was attended by Saurabh Kumar, Member Secretary, CPCC, and other senior officers from the CPCB, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Department of Industries, Municipal Corporation, representatives of industrial association and experts nominated by the CPCB.