Gurgaon residents voice concern over rising dust pollution

National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives such as covering construction material and sprinkling water at the sites not adhered to at construction sites in Gurgaon.

Residents have raised concerns over rising dust pollution because of construction work across the city with National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives such as covering construction material and sprinkling water at the sites not adhered to. Authorities such as the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda), Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), district administration and the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) have failed to effectively check dust pollution.

Residents, especially commuters, alleged dust is causing breathing difficulties. (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo)

Residents, especially commuters, alleged dust is causing breathing difficulties.

Stretches between Iffco Chowk and Hero Honda Chowk on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, Huda City Centre and Atul Kataria Chowk, and Golf Course and Golf Course Extension roads, where widening is taking place, are examples of violation of NGT guidelines on construction activities.

Ruchika Sethi, an environment activist, said, “There is no check by the pollution department. It never initiated action while there is apparent violation of environment norms at construction sites.”

The worst is at Iffco Chowk, Signature Tower, and Rajiv Chowk where underpass construction is happening. The loose sand from digging is lying uncovered, causing air pollution.

“The rules are well specified. Enforcement agencies have to ensure that these are displayed at sites and contractors follow them. Why has the pollution department never inspected these construction sites and fined them for not covering construction material and sprinkling water to prevent dust? This is negligence,” Hemant Kumar of New Colony said.

Two years ago, NGT had issued strict warning to developers for causing dust pollution and issued guidelines for construction sites.

“According to NGT guidelines, regular water sprinkling is essential and tarpaulin sheets must be placed above dust mounds. We will issue a notice to the Huda and the National Highways Authority of India to initiate action against contractors involved in road widening work in the city,” Vijay Chaudhary, assistant environment engineer, HSPCB, Gurgaon, said.