As air quality dips in Delhi, 99 teams formed to monitor dust at construction sites

Chief Minister Atishi on Tuesday convened a high-level review meeting with Environment Minister Gopal Rai and senior officials after the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-I was enforced in the Delhi-NCR.

The Delhi Government has initiated a series of stringent measures under GRAP-I in response to a recent rise in air pollution levels.

Speaking at a press conference, Atishi said, “From January 1 to October 12, we had 200 good air quality days, a record high compared to previous years. However, on October 13, the AQI reached 224, and on October 14, it hit 234, putting our air quality in the poor category.”

To tackle the issue, the government has deployed 99 inspection teams to monitor construction sites for dust control. Additionally, the Public Works Department (PWD) will utilise 200 anti-smog guns, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and the NCR Transport Corporation will deploy 30, 80 and 14 anti-smog guns, respectively.

“We are committed to dust mitigation at construction sites. Our teams will ensure compliance with dust control measures, particularly focusing on the removal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, which significantly increases PM2.5 and PM10 levels,” Atishi said.

In an effort to control road dust, the Chief Minister announced that the PWD is repairing 1,400 km of roads, with a completion deadline set for October 30. The deployment of anti-smog guns at pollution hotspots is also part of the strategy.

Moreover, the government plans to restrict the use of diesel generators, particularly at banquet halls and events.

Rai said, “Pollution in Capital is not solely a Delhi issue, it stems from surrounding areas as well. We require cooperation from neighbouring states, especially in managing stubble burning and emissions from brick-kilns.”

He noted that while data shows a decline in stubble-burning incidents in Punjab, states like Haryana and UP are witnessing increases. “This collective issue requires joint action from all NCR states,” he added.