The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, is taking stronger actions to fight air pollution. Environment Minister Gopal Rai met with over 200 representatives from government and private construction agencies. He directed them to follow 14-point guidelines to prevent dust pollution and warned that strict action will be taken against violators. The government will also create a winter action plan with 15 focal points to combat pollution, including dust pollution. Construction agencies with a construction area of 5,000 square meters or more will be required to install anti-smog guns on their sites.
During the meeting, the 14-point guidelines were discussed in detail with all construction agencies, and they were instructed to implement them. Suggestions from the representatives of the construction agencies were also taken into consideration. Rai emphasized the importance of fighting pollution for the sake of our lives and the lives of our children. He stressed that everyone must fulfill their responsibilities honestly.
The 14-point guidelines outline measures to prevent dust and wind pollution. These include installing dust- or wind-breaking walls, using tarpaulin or green nets on scaffolding, cleaning vehicles, storing construction debris on site, avoiding loose soil or sand, grinding and cutting building materials in open areas, and sprinkling unpaved surfaces with water. Paved and blacktopped roads leading to or at construction sites are also required, and construction and demolition waste should be recycled or transported to authorized facilities.
Furthermore, workers involved in loading, unloading, and carriage of construction material and debris must be provided with anti-dust masks. Medical help and treatment should be given to workers exposed to dust emissions. Dust mitigation measures should be displayed prominently at construction sites for public awareness.
