Delhi's Struggle Against Construction Dust: MCD's Stiff Penalties

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has issued fines totaling Rs 2.69 crore for violations of dust control norms in construction activities. With severe air quality issues, MCD's Winter Action Plan involves 372 teams monitoring dust and waste, pushing for strict pollution control measures amid rising health risks.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has levied fines totaling Rs 2.69 crore for violating dust control regulations during construction and demolition activities, recent official data reveals. This action spans from April to October, as part of rigorous efforts to combat Delhi's alarming pollution levels.

Deploying a team of 1,295 personnel in 372 surveillance units, the MCD under its Winter Action Plan for 2024-25 focuses on monitoring illegal construction waste disposal and open burning. Despite air quality remaining at severe levels, these measures aim to enforce environmental regulations to mitigate pollution risks.

While nearly Rs 16.85 lakh in fines have been collected, the MCD continues its stringent inspections without yet issuing challans for open waste burning. Under Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), additional rules include bans on certain fuels in eateries and raised parking fees to promote public transportation usage.

(With inputs from agencies.)