Construction activities to be suspended in Gurugram, Faridabad

With GRAP 2 failing to bring any relief to the air quality in Gurugram and Faridabad, the state Environment Ministry is all set to suspend construction activities in both areas. State forest minister Rao Narbir, who is currently away to Bihar, said the state government had initiated action.

The twin cities recorded 'severe' air quality in some parts and 'very poor' in majority of areas for the entire day, with average AQI above 350.

“The key reason behind the crises is construction site dust and we will suspend all construction activity with immediate effect. Pollution board officials have been asked to be on the ground 24x7 and stop all polluting activities. The defaulters will face strict punishment. Haryana has managed to eliminate stubble burning by 90 per cent and now we need to deal with other factors,” he said, while speaking to 'The Tribune'.

The ministry has also ordered the traffic police to launch a crackdown on vehicular pollution. The police have been asked to identify and ground polluting vehicles, with focus on commercial and heavy vehicles coming from other states.

“Vehicular pollution is also a key issue. The traffic cops have been asked to do their bit,” he said.

The ministry has asked civic agencies to launch aggressive sprinkling of water to bring respite to residents. Under Stage II of GRAP, several curbs and intensified actions include daily mechanical or vacuum sweeping and water sprinkling on identified roads, preferably before peak traffic hours, to control dust.

To promote cleaner mobility, GRAP Stage II mandates augmentation of public transport services through additional CNG and electric buses and increased frequency of Metro services, along with differential fare rates to encourage off-peak travel.