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Delhi authorities have intensified their action against construction-related air pollution, imposing fines totaling INR 2.36 crore and shutting 48 non-compliant construction sites. Over 200 show-cause notices were issued to projects violating dust-control norms. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has inspected more than 1,200 large construction sites and mapped nearly 4,900 localities, identifying 33 areas requiring immediate action. Real-time monitoring using video, PM?.?/PM?? sensors, and public display boards has been implemented. The drive also covers diesel generators, polluting industries, and coordinated measures with multiple municipal and urban agencies to enforce air quality standards.
The Delhi government has recently imposed fines totaling INR 2.36 crore and ordered the closure of 48 construction sites after detecting violations of dust-control regulations. Over the past month, more than 200 show-cause notices were served to construction projects found non-compliant with environmental norms. Advertisement
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa highlighted that authorities are focusing on measurable, science-driven enforcement instead of mere announcements, reflecting a more structured approach to controlling dust pollution.
Since mid-October, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has inspected 1,262 construction sites larger than 500 square metres. Out of these, 747 projects are registered on a self-assessment portal that uses real-time video fencing, PM?.? and PM?? sensors, and public display boards to show compliance status. Among the inspected sites, 48 were shut, and 35 were fined, leading to the total compensation of INR?2.36?crore.
DPCC officials have also surveyed residential and commercial neighborhoods to detect illegal or unregistered construction. Of 4,881 mapped localities, 467 have been surveyed and 33 flagged for immediate corrective action. The initiative ensures that both registered and unregistered projects adhere to environmental standards.
The enforcement drive extends beyond construction. Diesel generator sets are being inspected to confirm installation of retrofitted emission-control devices, and polluting industries are being urged to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) as per the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) guidelines.
A citywide virtual training session was conducted for officials of registered construction projects, and coordination with municipal and public agencies including MCD, NDMC, PWD, CPWD, DDA, DMRC, and DJB has been strengthened to ensure stricter compliance.
Sirsa personally reviewed mitigation measures in high-risk areas like Palam, Dwarka, and Mahipalpur, which face significant dust due to construction, traffic, and waste. He instructed officials to ensure proper barricading, anti-dust netting, treated-water sprinkling, debris removal, and strict enforcement of construction rules, particularly on roads and footpaths under repair.
Over 1,800 personnel, along with 35 dedicated DPCC teams, have been deployed citywide. Dust suppression and mechanical sweeping have been intensified at around 62 traffic hotspots, and daily inspection reports are used to guide corrective actions.
This systematic and technology-driven enforcement marks a significant shift from previous efforts, emphasizing continuous monitoring, accountability, and multi-agency coordination to improve Delhi's air quality.
Source PTI
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