Despite GRAP-III restrictions, construction work continues

Even as Delhi’s air quality slipped deeper into the ‘severe’ category on Wednesday, large-scale construction activity continued unchecked across several parts of the capital, from South Delhi’s Panchsheel Park to Sarojini Nagar and New Friends Colony, despite the enforcement of GRAP-III restrictions since Tuesday morning.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 418 at 4 pm, underscoring the urgency for strict adherence to anti-pollution measures. However, on the ground, violations appeared rampant, with dust from ongoing construction adding to the city’s worsening smog.

In South Delhi’s Panchsheel Park, near Sadhna Enclave Gate 1, two buildings continued to see active construction despite the ban. Workers were seen carrying cement and materials in and out of tin sheds, while walls were being painted on the upper floors. Ironically, a van bearing an SDMC enforcement team sticker was parked just a few metres away, as labourers moved freely in and out of the site.

Residents and shopkeepers in the area expressed frustration and helplessness over the lack of enforcement. “Here, as long as you have money, people can do anything. The air pollution is bad, but no one cares,” said Raj Narayan Singh, a resident.

A florist, Deepak Kashyap, said, “No one has come to stop the work. The people who live here have money, air purifiers and cars. They don’t really face what the rest of us do.”

A security guard, Mukesh, echoed similar sentiments, noting that the city’s worsening air seems to have become part of daily life. “People have grown accustomed to it. They talk about the news but don’t complain. Everyone just lives with it now,” he said.

In Sarojini Nagar, a major shopping hub, construction near the Babu Market area was in full swing, with sheds, cement mixers and trucks visible inside the cordoned-off zone. Labourers were seen working continuously despite heavy police patrolling. “It’s all about money,” said Dilip Kumar, a stall owner outside the market. “No one can stop those who have it.”

Another vendor, Harish Kumar, recalled that the GRAP measures were implemented more strictly in the past. “During the AAP’s term, these rules were followed seriously. But now, it seems like no one is paying attention,” he said.

A similar picture emerged in New Friends Colony, where construction and finishing work carried on without interruption, further defying the GRAP-III restrictions.

Under GRAP-III, all non-essential construction and demolition activities, including earthwork, piling, open trenching, welding, painting, plastering and tile work are banned. The transportation of materials such as cement, sand and fly ash is restricted and ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants are to remain shut. Industries using unapproved fuels have been directed to suspend operations, while the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles has been prohibited in Delhi and parts of the NCR.

Despite these measures, Delhi’s streets tell a different story, one of widespread violations and limited enforcement, even as the capital gasps for clean air.