Gurgaon: Pollution watchdog asks NHAI to follow environment norms

HSPCB has asked the NHAI to abide by environment norms while constructing underpasses at Iffco Chowk, Signature Tower and Rajiv Chowk.

The state pollution control board has issued a notice to the National Highways Authority of Indian (NHAI) on Thursday asking them to abide by environment norms while constructing underpasses at Iffco Chowk, Signature Tower and Rajiv Chowk.

The underpass work at Iffco Chowk. Underpasses are also being built at Rajiv Chowk and Signature Tower intersection. (HT File)

This came amid concerns over the persistently poor ambient air quality in the city over the last three months that prompted the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) to ask concerned authorities at Delhi-NCR to put together and enforce a graded response plan to tackle air pollution.

“We have asked the NHAI to cover construction sites and sprinkle water to reduce the level of pollutants in the atmosphere,” Bhupender Singh, regional officer, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), said.

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has also been asked to monitor construction activities at Hero Honda Chowk and Rajiv Chowk.

“Our team will make spot inspections and act if they find any violations of the norms. The reason why we have asked the NHAI to ensure fair sprinkling of water at construction sites is that presently, the wind is up and there is a high risk of an increase in the level of dust particles in the atmosphere,” Singh said.

The pollution control board said it had drawn many complaints on the worsening air quality due to the ongoing construction of underpasses that are aimed at unclogging busy stretches and ensuring smooth flow of traffic.

Data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that the level of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) level in the city has been higher than the permissible limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³) over the last three months.

The pollution watchdog is also monitoring the functioning of pollution under-control
certificate (PUC) centres in the city.