Strictest action likely against contractors at Pragati Maidan
NEWDELHI: The Delhi government on Friday asked the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to take “strictest action” and levy ‘hefty penalty” against the contractors engaged at the Pragati Maidan redevelopment site for “blatant” violations of dust-control measures at the under-construction site.
The directions came after Delhi environment minister Imran Hussain conducted a “surprise inspection” of the site and found a cloud of dust engulfing the area with uncovered stacks of building material and no arrangements for sprinkling of water.
Two agencies are engaged in construction work at the site -NBCC is building the convention centre while the public works department (PWD) is building a tunnel. A new International Exhibition-cum-convention Centre (IECC), executive accommodation blocks and a tunnel are being constructed at the site.
NBCC officials were not available for any comment, despite repeated calls and messages.
The government in a press statement said that mounds of sand and excavated boulders were kept uncovered and in dry condition causing dust pollution in the area. “...No measures have been taken by the contractors to control emission of re-suspension dust from excavation, drilling and other construction-related activities. No arrangement for sprinkling of water has been made at the sites,” the statement read.
Despite repeated attempts, PWD officials could not be reached for any comment.
The inspection team also reportedly found violation of environmental clearance (EC) and that the contractors had a lackadaisical attitude towards the environmental safeguard conditions prescribed for various construction stages. “I have asked the DPCC to take strictest possible action as per law against the contractors involved. All construction sites were without mat fencing to trap the dust. The mats (green sheets) used to cover building material were insufficient to mitigate the quantum of dust being generated from the construction sites,” said Hussain.
Also, trucks were found carrying construction material uncovered thus emanating dust in the air.
“There was a visible clear cut negligence on part of contractors with regard to Construction and Demolition Waste Rules 2016 and measures listed under the graded response action plan (Grap) enforced in Delhi since October 15 this year,” said the statement.