Delhi gasps for breath as dust from construction work envelopes NCR

For over a decade, the cycle of construction and growth has given the cities of Ghaziabad, Noida and Gurgaon an ever-rising skyline and a persistent blanket of dust.

‘Peaceful life’, ‘green surroundings’ and ‘quality living’ are some of the promises with which real estate hoardings lure buyers to Delhi’s satellite towns. The reality, though, is completely different. For over a decade, the cycle of construction and growth has given the cities of Ghaziabad, Noida and Gurgaon an ever-rising skyline and a persistent blanket of dust.

For over a decade, the cycle of construction and growth has given the cities of Ghaziabad, Noida and Gurgaon a persistent blanket of dust. (Ravi Choudhary/ Hindustan Times)

According to the Haryana Pollution Control Board, the respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) in Gurgaon rose from 350 μg/m3 in 2015 to 415 μg/m3 in 2016. Though the equivalent figures are much lower in Noida and Ghaziabad, a report by the Greater Noida authority revealed that construction projects are the main cause of air pollution there. As per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research ( SAFAR), on October 8 evening, Noida’s PM10 (particulate matter) was 213 microgrammes per cubic metre as against the permissible limit of 100.

“The level is more than double the permissible limit in areas around sector 62. In other parts of Noida, the air is even more polluted. Air pollution is worst in Greater Noida West, where construction is underway on around 80 realty projects,” said Sharad Tiwari, an environmentalist.

The problem largely stems from the absence of measures to prevent pollution at construction sites.

Similarly, adequate arrangements are not made for transportation of construction material despite an NGT order. The April 2015 order say a person/ builder will be liable to pay compensation of Rs 50,000 per violation in relation to construction activity and Rs 5,000 for transportation of construction material or debris without covering it.

“The internal roads in Gurgaon’s sector 77, 76, 78 are filled with dust as the roads are broken and dumpers carrying construction material flout NGT norms,” said Amit Gupta, a software engineer and resident of sector 77.

The situation is equally grim in the new sectors of Gurgaon, where a majority of buildings are under construction.

The Noida authority attempted to use dust sucking machines on the lines of Gurgaon to reduce air pollution but the plan did not work.

Similarly, the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) imposed penalty in 44 cases. The authority collected penalties Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 in 34 cases.

“We are conducting regular drives to check compliance with the NGT orders and developers and sites have been penalized. Action is also taken up on public complaints,” said DP Singh, officer on special duty, GDA.