Don’t issue certificates for projects under closure orders: CAQM

New Delhi, February 20

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued a directive on Tuesday, instructing all agencies in the NCR to refrain from issuing completion certificates to any project against which a “closure” direction had been issued by the commission.

Agencies responsible for the issuance of completion certificate (CC)/occupancy certificate (OC) were specifically instructed not to grant certificates for projects for which pending actions exist.

Furthermore, in the process of considering applications for the grant of CC/OC, the agencies concerned have been advised to refer to the list of entities for whom resumption orders are pending before deciding on the issuance of certificates.

Construction and demolition (C&D) activities are recognised as a significant and consistent source of air pollution in the NCR, contributing significantly to the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 throughout the year, especially during the summer season. This issue requires attention from all stakeholders in the NCR.

To address this concern, on-site inspections of C&D projects are being conducted by the flying squads established by CAQM. These measures aim to mitigate the adverse impact of C&D activities on air quality in the region.

An official said, “Instances have also come to the notice of the commission, where proponents, in total disregard of the of directions of closure and advisory of April 2023 issued by CAQM, were found to be continuing with the C&D activities without due preventive measures to abate dust pollution and without resumption orders being issued by the commission.”