The Noida Authority on Sunday fined a developer ₹5,000 for not adhering to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) norms regarding construction.

The developer was fined for not covering construction material at a site in Sector 63. The developer was warned of stricter action for any future violations. The officials also sprinkled water on roads at various sectors to check dust pollution.

In the light of worsening air quality in the National Capital Region, the Noida Authority has issued a directive to all builders to hang net-cloth at under-construction buildings to restrict movement of dust particles. The officials held a meeting with real estate developers and asked them to cooperate in maintaining good air quality in the region.

“In the past few days, pollution level has gone up in the region. To deal with the situation, we have asked real estate players to follow all standard procedures and rules laid down by the NGT and the Environment Ministry,” said a senior district administration official.

Teams have been formed to keep an eye on all under-construction projects and factories in the region, said the official.

The developers have assured the administration that they will follow the guidelines. “We are adhering to all standards to ensure good air quality... We are covering projects with long curtains and sprinkling water in and around our projects,” Ajay Chaudhary, CMD of Ace Group, said. “Our real estate body is in touch with the administration,” he added.

Road dust

To control road dust pollution, the authority is carrying out mechanical sweeping of a few roads. The authority said it plans to cover all roads wider than 45 meters with their sweepers by next year. Mechanical sweeping is also being done on some areas of Ghaziabad.

The administration has also asked farmers to not burn crop residue and has formed a team to look into the issue.