Govt to launch month-long anti-dust drive to curb pollution

In a major move to curb air pollution, the Delhi Government is set to roll out an intensive anti-dust campaign from October 7 to November 7, announced Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Saturday. The campaign, part of the city’s Winter Action Plan, will deploy 523 teams from 13 departments to monitor and control dust pollution across the Capital.

Rai highlighted that the campaign will target construction sites, which are a major contributor to dust pollution.

“Construction dust poses serious health hazards. It is mandatory for all construction sites over 500 sq m to register on the C&D portal and follow 14 dust control guidelines,” said Rai.

The campaign will also utilise 85 mechanical road sweeping machines and 500 water sprinklers to minimise dust on roads. Additionally, 200 mobile anti-smog guns will be deployed in three shifts starting in November.

Warning of strict penalties for violators, he said, “Any construction project not registered on the C&D portal will face fines ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, depending on the size. Fines of Rs 7,500 per day will be imposed for not installing anti-smog guns, and similar penalties apply for non-compliance with other dust control measures.”

Under the new guidelines, all construction sites must have anti-smog guns, high tin walls and proper coverings for construction material. Workers will also be required to wear dust masks and medical facilities must be provided at construction sites.

To motivate compliance, construction agencies that adhere to environmental guidelines will be awarded the ‘Harit Ratna