Delhi Intensifies Anti-Pollution Action; Over Rs 7 Crore Fines Imposed, 48 Sites Shut

The Delhi government has imposed fines exceeding Rs 7 crore on construction sites for violating pollution regulations. In the past few days, the DPCC (Delhi Pollution Control Committee) inspected 1,756 construction sites, issued 556 notices and shut down 48 sites. 

Government agencies such as the DDA, DSIDC, MCD, PWD, and DMRC were also among the violators. They were issued show-cause notices totalling Rs 1 crore. 

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On Saturday, the Delhi government held a meeting with the Deputy Commissioners of the Corporation, District Magistrates, and officials from the DSIIDC (Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation). It was directed that a survey of all industries in every district be conducted within 7 days, with immediate action to be taken against violators. 

A field-level survey of non-compliant industrial areas and all construction sites will be conducted to ensure immediate fines and sealing action for negligence in dust control and waste management. To control the sources of road dust, a comprehensive update on broken roads and potholes has been prepared. 

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that everyone, whether private builders or government agencies, must comply with anti-pollution regulations. 

Action against industries operating in residential areas:

* Action continues against non-conforming units operating in residential areas.

* Teams are continuously identifying such units and shutting down those causing pollution. 

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Key Measures

* Generator retrofitting is mandatory. 

* Retrofitting anti-pollution devices is now mandatory for BS-4 and older generators. 

* No generator, whether domestic or commercial, will be allowed to operate without retrofitting; breaking this rule will result in heavy fines. 

* Over 42,000 potholes filled this year, compared to 18,000 last year.

* 350 mist sprays on electricity poles. 

* 100 new mechanical road sweeper machines soon. 

* Ban on open burning of waste. 

* 1,823 DPCC teams deployed for action. 

* 633 teams to prevent waste dumping. 

* The MCD will soon receive 100 new mechanical road sweeper machines and 1,000 pressure-pump waste collection machines.