SC directs Delhi’s civic bodies to “intensify” actions illegal against construction activities

NEW DELHI: The pollution control committee appointed by the Supreme Court (SC) to assess pollution levels in the National Capital has directed the civic authorities to intensify their actions against illegal construction and dust pollution which have been contributing significantly to air pollution in Delhi.

In a recent report submitted to the SC stated that the construction works have been going on in the city unabated despite a blanket ban on such activities. The apex court had ordered the ban on construction and demolition activities on November 6 until further notice.

A member of the committee said, there have been meetings held earlier with the municipal leaders regarding keeping a vigil on illegal construction activities going around the city and imposing fines of defaulters found. 

Dilraj Kaur, Commissioner, East Delhi Municipal Commissioner (EDMC) said, “We have already intensified the drive and have been levying penalties on violators. Instances of illegal construction and demolition activities, such as open dumping of debris and open burning of waste, have come down drastically. Besides, night-patrolling by civil defence volunteers is also being conducted regularly.”

South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) officials also informed that the actions taken against such activities have been intensified by the corporation. And, in the past two days 10 notices have been issued for causing dust pollution from construction activities. A total penalty of Rs 8,10,000 has been imposed on the ones found flouting the ban, added another SDMC official.     

Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) also said that they have started taking stricter actions against polluting industries and vehicles. A total penalty of Rs 49,15,000 has been imposed on 63 visibly polluting vehicles in the past week under the Environment (Protection) Act.