New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has issued guidelines for all construction activities, mandating strict implementation of measures to curb dust pollution. It has instructed its zonal offices to carry out frequent inspections to ensure that norms pertaining to proper disposal of C&D waste are not flouted.
"As the air quality is forecasted to mainly remain in the poor category in the coming days owing to the unfavourable meteorological conditions, it is envisaged for all chief engineers to ensure compliance with the guidelines under GRAP II," stated a circular issued by DDA last week.
"Do not permit C&D activities in respect of projects with a plot size equal to or more than 500 sqm which are not registered on the portal or which don't fulfil other requirements for remote monitoring of dust mitigation measures," it said.
DDA will ensure regular lifting of municipal solid waste, C&D waste and hazardous waste from dedicated dump sites and ensure nothing is being dumped illegally in open areas, it added.
"While in the rest of the city, MCD is sprinkling water on streets to settle dust, in Dwarka, DDA is taking the initiative on a regular basis using treated water," an official said, adding, "Cleaning and sweeping are MCD's mandate, but as back up, we have engaged an agency for water sprinkling wherever needed. Barricades have been put up to prevent dust emission from the site."
In Rohini zone too, DDA has sprinkling water on roads to counter dust pollution. "Anti-smog guns are installed in zonal buildings and Madhuban Chowk while three more are deployed at Jailorwala Housing project. Coordination is being ensured so that C&D materials and waste are properly stored at construction sites and transported only through covered vehicles," said the official.
The status of anti-smog guns installed at C&D sites is also being monitored, added the official. The circular stated: "Intensify the use of anti-smog guns, water sprinkling and dust suppression measures at project sites where work for road construction, widening, repair projects and maintenance activities is in progress." DDA is also maintaining a strict vigil to ensure there is no burning in open areas, said officials.