Gurgaon: Developers must set up corrugated metal or galvanised iron sheets around construction sites to control dust pollution, and tarpaulin and mesh screens will not be accepted as an alternative, MCG has said. All ongoing construction and demolition sites have been given 15 days to install the barricades and carry out dust control measures, failing which penal action will follow.While issuing the order on Wednesday, MCG commissioner Pradeep Dahiya said inspections have found a large number of C&D sites operating without adequate barricading, leading to uncontrolled dust dispersal and rising pollution. Violation of the order will invite stop-work orders, sealing of sites, disconnection of utilities and environmental compensation, he said, adding that developers may also be blacklisted if they are found to be responsible.The order covers all public and private construction activities, including govt, institutional and commercial projects. The civic body has also prescribed minimum barricade heights based on project size and location. Construction sites spread over 500 square metres and above must install barricades at least 3 metres high while all demolition sites must have barricades of at least 2.4 metres. Construction and demolition sites adjoining occupied buildings, hospitals, schools or busy public roads will require barricades of at least 3.6 metres.MCG has also ordered that buildings must be covered on all exposed sides with dust-screening fabric or green netting extending to the full height of the structure. No demolition activity can begin unless the structure is fully covered.In addition, contractors will be required to implement all dust-mitigation measures prescribed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Central Pollution Control Board and Haryana State Pollution Control Board, including water sprinkling, using anti-smog guns where required, wheel washing of vehicles and proper disposal of C&D waste.Compliance with the order has also been linked directly to building plan approvals. No building plan will be released and no completion or occupation certificate will be granted unless applicants submit self-declarations and geo-tagged photographs demonstrating compliance with barricading requirements.To enforce the directive, MCG has established a multi-tier monitoring mechanism. An additional commissioner will function as the nodal officer for dust control, while zonal joint commissioners, assistant engineers, junior engineers and sanitary inspectors have been designated as enforcement officers with powers to inspect sites, record violations and issue notices.Residents have also been given a role in enforcement. MCG has directed that a dedicated complaint mechanism, including a helpline and mobile application, be publicised for reporting unbarricaded or dust-generating sites, with each complaint to be inspected and acted upon within 24 hours.Violators will also face environmental compensation based on the ‘polluter pays principle’ and standards prescribed by the CAQM. The agency has also warned that violations of CAQM directions could attract separate action under the CAQM Act, 2021, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.The directive comes as the city continues to grapple with severe air-quality challenges and increasing scrutiny from pollution-control authorities over dust emissions from the city’s rapidly expanding construction sector.
