Delhi Air Pollution: Ban On Construction, Demolition Activities To Continue

NEW DELHI: The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government on Monday announced that they have banned construction works in the capital until further notice in view of the worsening air pollution situation.

Electrical work, interior decoration, plumbing and carpentry have been allowed to continue.

Announcing that the third phase of ‘Red Light On, Gaadi Off’ campaign would run till December 18 as soon as the second phase ends on December 3, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai informed that the entry of fuel trucks (only essential services) will be banned till December 7 while CNG and electric trucks will be allowed to enter Delhi. 

Rai said that the government will give construction workers losing their daily wages due to the ban, a compensation of Rs. 5,000. 

Special buses have been made operational from 14 colonies to avoid use of private vehicles as the government officially ends the work from home directive for all government employees. The colonies include Gulabi Bagh, Mayur Vihar Phase 2, Motia Khan, Shalimar Bagh Block A, Timarpur, Hari Nagar, Sector 3 Dwarka, Nimri Colony, Ashok Vihar, Sector 11 Rohini, Karkardooma, Model Town Phase One, Vikaspuri, Paschim Vihar, and Vasant Kunj.

While addressing a press conference, highlighting the checks and regulations, Rai said: “The drive to check the vehicles causing pollution will continue and fines of rupees ten thousand each have been imposed on 14 thousand drivers in two months.”

He also said that the government will continue to campaign against open burnings in Delhi. Until now, 8480 sites have been visited and inspected by their teams under the open burning campaign, and violations were found in close to 1000 places. The violating agencies, organisations, and individuals have been fined 28.76 lakhs so far, announced Rai.

Referring to the Meteorological Department’s prediction of rainfall, Rai said the situation might change as far as temporary pollution relief is concerned.

Speaking about the Green Delhi App, Rai said, “Anywhere, if you think that the construction is stopped and someone is violating the norms by carrying out construction activities in secret, or if you think trucks are entering somewhere, or if you see someone start a fire you can inform us through the Green Delhi App by taking a photo and uploading it. We will ramp up our plans and measures, keeping in mind the input you provide through the Green Delhi App.”

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