New Delhi: Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that the AAP government has constituted 586 teams in order to ensure the implementation of strict implementation of the ban on construction and demolition activities in the state to limit the worsening air quality of Delhi, reported a news agency PTI.
While addressing a press conference, Gopal Rai said that experts believe the speed of the wind and its direction would become unfavourable from the first of November, and then it'll push the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the 'severe' category. That is why Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed the authorities in the Delhi NCR region to implement restrictions which include a ban on construction and demolition activities, under Graded Response Action Plan's (GRAP) Third Stage.
Under stage III of GRAP, the authorities have been asked to enforce a strict ban on construction and demolition activities in the NCR, except for essential projects and non-polluting activities such as plumbing, carpentry, interior decoration, and electrical works.
He said: "We have held a meeting with all construction agencies in the capital and government departments concerned, including the PWD, MCD, Railways, DDA and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. We have decided to implement the ban on construction and demolition activities in the city."
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He added that the administration has established a strong monitoring system in order to ensure compliance with the directions that have been given. The teams will be monitoring the accuracy of the implementation of the ban on construction and demolition activities. However, these restrictions will not be applicable to projects that are essential, especially the ones concerning national security, defence, railways, and metro rail among others.
What Does The Ban Cover?
Works such as boring, drilling, and excavation; fabrication and welding operations; loading and unloading of construction supplies; manual or conveyor belt transportation of raw material, including fly ash; and vehicle movement on unpaved roads are all prohibited.
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Additionally, it also prohibits the use of batching plants, the laying of sewer lines, water, drainage, and electrical lines through open trench systems, the cutting and fixing of tiles, stones, and other flooring materials, grinding activities, piling work, waterproofing work, and road construction and repair projects, including the paving of sidewalks, pathways, and central verges, among other things.
(With inputs from PTI)