Rs 23600000 fines imposed, 200 show-cause notices issued, 48 construction sites shut

In a major crackdown against dust pollution, the Delhi government last month imposed fines worth Rs 2.36 billion, ordered the closure of 48 construction sites, issuing more than 200 citations. Commenting on this action, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the measures, backed by real-time surveillance and stringent field inspections, reflect the government’s determination to tackle pollution “with measurable, science-driven practices rather than hollow announcements”, as reported by PTI.

1262 construction sites have been inspected since October 15

After 1262 construction sites larger than 500 square meters were inspected since 0 October 15, more than 200 sites received show warnings, 48 ​​sites were closed and 35 were heavily fined. According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), fines worth around 2.36 billion rupees have been imposed. Violations included inadequate dust suppression barricades, improper garbage disposal, and failure to take mandatory environmental precautions.

What other measures has the government taken?

• Currently, 747 construction projects are registered in DPCC’s Dust Pollution Control Self-Assessment Portal. The system integrates Live video fence, PM2.5 and PM10 sensors.
• DPCC teams have been deployed to monitor Delhi neighborhoods and detect unregistered or illegal construction activities. Authorities investigated 467 of the 4,881 areas mapped and flagged 33 violations requiring immediate action.
• DPCC is also conducting comprehensive checks on diesel generator (DG) sets, mandating the installation of upgraded emission control devices and forcing polluting industries to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) in line with CAQM (Commission on Air Quality Management) directives.
• Intensifying coordination with agencies like MCD, NDMC, PWD, CPWD, DDA, DMRC and DJB, virtual training was organized on November 17 for officials of registered construction projects.
• After reviewing dust abatement measures in Sirsa, Palam, Dwarka and Mahipalpur, the Minister directed officials to ensure proper barricading, anti-dust netting, purified water sprinkling, debris removal and compliance with construction rules along areas where road repairs and footpath reconstruction are ongoing.
• There are currently more than 1,800 enforcement personnel and 35 dedicated DPCC teams operating across the city.
• Dust suppression and sweeping efforts were intensified in 62 identified traffic hot spots. Institutions have been instructed to ensure timely water sprinkling, strict construction compliance and immediate corrective action based on daily inspection reports.