DPCC issues ₹2.3 crore fines to construction sites violating norms; air quality remains ‘very poor’

As the national capital continues to grapple with air pollution, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has imposed fines totalling ₹2.36 crore on construction sites found violating anti-pollution measures.

All construction and demolition activities have been banned across the entire NCR region by the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) to combat the pollution crisis.

According to an official statement, show-cause notices were issued to over 200 construction projects, and 48 were asked to shut down.

“Physical inspections by 35 DPCC teams commenced on October 15, targeting all major construction sites across Delhi. In the initial phase, 500 C&D (construction and demolition) projects were assessed, unregistered projects identified, and tangible actions taken. Over 200 show-cause notices issued, 48 projects ordered shut, and 35 projects penalised under environmental compensation provisions for dust violations, amounting to fines of over ₹2.36 crore,” the statement said.

No respite

The overall air quality in Delhi remained in the ‘very poor’ (391) on Thursday, slightly down from 392 a day earlier, and is likely to worsen to the ‘severe’ category on Saturday, according to official data.

Few places – Chandni Chowk, DTU, Bawana, Anand Vihar, Mundka, Narela and Wazirpur – recorded ‘severe’ (400 above) air quality. Baghpat, Noida, and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh also recorded ‘severe’ air quality.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa urged people to help reduce pollution levels. “Adopt best practices, avoid garbage burning, opt for public transport, and actively report violations through social media, pollution helpline and the Green Delhi App. Together, we will hold polluters accountable,” said Mr Sirsa.