- NCR construction, demolition banned from November 5 to 20.
- National importance projects exempted from the restrictions.
- Offices encouraged 50% physical attendance to reduce emissions.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday announced a complete halt to construction and demolition activities across the National Capital Region (NCR) from November 5 to November 20 to curb air pollution during the winter season.
Yadav said the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) would issue a formal order on Friday, October 30, imposing the restrictions across the region. The decision follows scientific studies and will cover dust-generating demolition work and outdoor construction activities.
"Delhi has already issued a notice stopping construction and demolition activities from November 1. However, CAQM will issue an order today to suspend these activities across the NCR from November 5 to 20, following scientific studies. The restrictions will cover dust-generating demolition and outdoor construction activities, while projects of national importance will remain exempt. During these 15 days, offices will also be encouraged to operate with 50 per cent physical attendance as it is a peak time," ANI quoted Yadav.
The restrictions will extend beyond Delhi to other NCR areas, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar and Sonipat. However, projects of national importance will be exempt from the ban, the minister said.
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Which Construction Activities Will Be Banned?
The restrictions will target activities that generate dust and contribute to particulate matter pollution. These include:
* Demolition of buildings and other structures.
* Excavation, earthwork, filling, boring and drilling.
* Outdoor civil construction and structural work, including fabrication and welding.
* Loading, unloading and transportation of construction materials.
* Movement of vehicles on unpaved roads at construction sites.
* Operation of concrete batching plants.
* Cutting, grinding and fixing of tiles, stones and other flooring materials.
* Piling and waterproofing work.
* Laying sewer, water and drainage lines through open trenches.
* Road construction and repair, including paving of footpaths and pathways.
These activities feature in CAQM's earlier directions on construction and demolition restrictions. The exact list applicable during the November 5-20 period will be confirmed in Friday's order.
Which Projects Will Be Exempt?
Yadav said projects of national importance would be exempt from the restrictions. Earlier CAQM orders have listed several categories of essential infrastructure projects for exemption, including:
* Railway services and railway stations.
* Metro rail services and stations.
* Airports and interstate bus terminals.
* National security and defence-related projects.
* Hospitals and healthcare facilities.
* Highways, roads, flyovers and bridges.
* Power transmission lines and pipelines.
* Sewage treatment plants, water supply and sanitation projects.
Such projects are still required to follow prescribed dust-control and construction-waste management measures. The final exemptions for the latest ban will be governed by the new CAQM order.
50 per cent Physical Attendance In Offices
The minister also said offices would be encouraged to operate with 50 per cent physical attendance during the 15-day restriction period, with the remaining employees working remotely. The measure is intended to reduce vehicular movement and traffic-related emissions during the peak pollution period.
Delhi's winter action plan already includes arrangements to reduce office attendance and encourage work from home. The Centre's latest announcement seeks to extend the effort across the wider NCR.
Delhi's Construction Restrictions From November 1
Delhi has separately announced restrictions on dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities from November 1 to January 31 as part of its winter air pollution action plan.
The Delhi government's plan also provides for a complete ban on construction and demolition activities from December 10 to January 20. The newly announced NCR-wide restriction from November 5 to 20 is an additional measure and will cover areas beyond the national capital.
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Why Has The Ban Been Announced?
The decision comes amid concerns over deteriorating air quality across Delhi-NCR as winter approaches. Construction and demolition work generate dust and contribute to particulate matter pollution, making restrictions on such activities an important part of the region's pollution-control measures.
Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) had remained above 200 in the 'Poor' category on Wednesday and Thursday. It improved to 133, in the 'Moderate' category, at 4 am on Friday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Overnight rainfall across the city brought temporary relief from pollution, but authorities are preparing additional measures to tackle the seasonal rise in pollution.