Vibha SharmaNew Delhi: Despite Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) imposing fines for violations that contribute to air pollution, the penalties have done little to deter illegal construction and demolition (C&D) and open burning of waste.The two activities are major contributors to air pollution, particularly during the winter months, prompting the civic body to issue challans against the violators. However, MCD records for the past two years show a significant gap between the fines imposed and the amount actually recovered.In 2024, MCD issued about 2,600 challans at construction sites for violating norms, imposing fines amounting to Rs 5.3 crore. However, it could recover only around Rs 45 lakh.The situation did not improve in 2025. The civic body issued around 3,300 challans, with fines totalling Rs 5.5 crore, but the recovery stood at only around Rs 33 lakh. The figures show that while the number of challans increased in 2025 by 23%, the amount recovered remained a small fraction (nearly 6%) of the total penalties imposed, raising questions over the effectiveness of the enforcement mechanism.Under Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is in the 201-300 range, C&D activity is generally permitted, but strict dust mitigation measures have to be followed. Violations can attract penalties, including fines of Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, as per applicable norms.Under GRAP Stage II, stricter dust mitigation measures are enforced at construction sites and under GRAP Stage III, non-essential construction and demolition activities are to be halted, and violations can attract stringent action, including sealing of sites by civic authorities.Councillors across parties also questioned MCD’s preparedness to tackle pollution and raised concerns over construction activities continuing unabated during restrictions. They highlighted lapses during the House meeting held on Sept 29.Pankaj Luthra, the BJP councillor of Jhilmil, said people were hardly deterred by the challans. “If we go by the records, hardly 10-20% people are adhering to the process. The slow response proves that people are hardly serious even when they are contributing to rising pollution,” he said, adding that manpower constraint in the department delays follow-up action against violators.The figures for recovery from challans issued for open burning are equally concerning. In 2024, more than 190 challans were issued, with penalties amounting to Rs 4.4 lakh, but MCD records do not have information on the amount recovered. In 2025, the civic body issued around four times more challans — nearly 800 — involving penalties of around Rs 8.7 lakh, but the amount recovered is again not available.As per NGT directions, any person found burning garbage, leaves or allied material, or responsible for or abetting such burning, is liable to pay Rs 5,000 under Section 15.An MCD official said: “Mostly unknown people do such acts or others who are hardly aware of norms. So, it becomes difficult for MCD staff to make a collection. The SDM (revenue) can prosecute offenders if challans are not paid.”
