New Delhi: All new new construction sites in Delhi may have to install at least three real-time air quality monitoring stations and adhere to strict dust management norms.
Failure to comply with norms can result in a fine or even construction site closure.
New guidelines, which were already approved, will apply to all construction sites with an area of more than 20,000 square meters, which will also require environmental permission.
This guideline also requires a site to submit a bank guarantee to remain before approval to start work provided.
Large boards at the construction site to display the air reader dust management committee, consisting of experts from IIT Delhi, the Institute of Energy and Resources (TERI) and Delhi pollution control committee (DPCC) have submitted a Dust Management Plan to the Delhi Government, where warnings Will be issued for project initiators if the PM10 and PM2.5 levels on this site are more than 25% of the air quality reading at the nearest monitoring station.
The new rule states that if corrective action is not taken within 24 hours of the first warning issued, the construction site will be closed, regardless of the penalty charged.
The committee also consists of officials from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), have been asked to prepare plans after studying the best dust mitigation practices observed throughout the world.
An official said a similar plan had existed in London and Paris was also taken into account.
The action plan states that while proposing environmental permits, each construction site must determine the exact location of the three air quality monitoring stations installed.
A large display board that shows reading must also be installed on the site, with the data awaited to the DPCC control room.
An official says under the plan, a three-hour “healing period” will be given to take corrective steps after the first warning.
“If after three hours, there are no corrective measures taken and the reading still exceeds the limit, the notification will be sent to the Project Proponent and fine fine RS 1 lakh, or 10% of the Bank Warranty, will be called.
If after 12 hours of the first warning, the situation is not Improving, then the fine of Rs 3 Lakh or 20% of the Bank warranty, which is higher, will be charged, and if after 24 hours of corrective warning there is no corrective action taken, the site will be closed, “Committee members said.
Construction and dust roads can contribute anywhere between 15% and 40% of PM2.5 and PM10 emissions in Delhi.
An official said a more stringent monitoring of large construction sites would help reduce local emissions.
“Random inspections from the site will also be carried out and if data is found to be disputed, environmental permits will be revoked soon,” said an official.
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