Pollution board takes action against 10 construction sites for flouting norms

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has issued notices to 10 construction sites in the region for violating pollution control norms under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). These notices follow the implementation of GRAP measures in the National Capital Region (NCR) starting October 12.

According to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, HSPCB is empowered to take necessary actions to protect and improve air quality in the region. One of the construction sites was found to be operating a diesel generator (DG) set that did not comply with CAQM directives. The site also failed to deploy anti-smog guns, as required for its built-up area of 65,716 square meters.

Under the GRAP phase, the use of DG sets is prohibited, and construction sites of 500 square meters or more must register on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) portal. They are also required to implement measures to control dust and air pollution from construction activities.

The penalties for non-compliance are significant — Rs 7,500 per DG set per day and Rs 7,500 per day for each anti-smog gun that is not deployed. The notice directs the construction site to show cause within 15 days as to why Environmental Compensation (EC) charges should not be imposed for these violations.

Failure to comply with the notice within the specified time may lead to action under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Prosecution could also follow under Sections 43-44 of the Water Act and Sections 37-38 of the Air Act.

In addition to the construction sites, three industrial units found violating air pollution norms in the last month have been closed following a CAQM inspection. A toll plaza has also been issued a notice for using a diesel generator set.

The Quality Index (AQI) here has consistently stayed in the ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ categories (250-300 levels) over the past few weeks.

HSPCB Regional Officer Sandeep Singh said while notices have been issued to the construction sites, the final Environmental Compensation (EC) would be determined by the EC Assessment Committee of the HSPCB after reviewing the submitted reports.