GRAP-III kicks in, closure of 100 stone crushers, hot-mix plants ordered

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has ordered the immediate closure of 100 stone crushers and ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants in the city in view of the imposition of phase three of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the NCR from today.

The AQI touched 354 in the city this morning amid thick smoggy conditions. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered the closure of various activities, including all types of construction, operation of stone crushers, hot-mix plants and RMC plants in the city and the NCR as part of GRAP III measures," said an HSPCB official.

The teams of the HSPCB and district administration would be keeping a strict vigil and would resort to legal action against violators during the phase.

"Enforce strict ban on earthwork, including boring, drilling works and piling works, demolition, brick masonry, laying of sewer lines, drainage, cabling RMC plants, major welding, gas cutting, road construction, transfer and unloading of dust generating materials like cement, fly-ash, bricks resulting in dust generation (air pollution)," says the CAQM order.

It adds that the movement of vehicles carrying construction material on unpaved roads, transportation of demolition waste, cutting, grinding and fixing of tiles, stones and other flooring materials, except for minor indoor repairs or maintenance, be halted. Minor welding activities for mechanical, electrical and plumbing works are permitted.

The CAQM has also asked the authorities to adopt measures, like the mechanised cleaning of roads, sprinkling water in high-dust generation areas and ensuring SOP for dust mitigation at construction sites.

Such activities shall be permitted only in certain categories, including railway services, Metro stations, Metro Rail, airports, ISBT, national security, defence-related activities, hospitals, and projects of national importance, subject to strict compliance of directions issued by the CAQM from time to time, the order reads.

While the average AQI of at 288 (PM-2.5) was recorded in the city, it touched a high of 354, 346 and 300 at three of the total four stations of NIT, Sector 16 A, and Sector 11, respectively, at 9 am. Ballabhgarh also recorded a very poor AQI of 316.

Sandeep Singh, Regional Officer, HSPCB, said various stakeholders had been directed to ensure strict implementation of GRAP norms.