‘Those defying GRAP-IV norms are…’

The Delhi Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has intensified implementation efforts on the ground to reduce air pollution under GRAP Phase IV and targeted all major sources of pollution through coordinated multi-departmental action, a press release said. A total of 3052 inspections were carried out in industrial areas, redevelopment industrial clusters and unsuitable areas. Of these, 251 industries in industrial zones, 181 in redevelopment zones and 180 industries in unsuitable areas were found to be unsuitable, leading to the initiation of closure and sealing procedures against 612 units and the initiation of lawsuits against the others.

Delhi Environment Minister said: “Despite GRAP-IV restrictions, some construction sites and industrial units continue to ignore pollution control norms. We have made this absolutely clear – any construction activity seen anywhere in Delhi during GRAP-IV will attract ceiling and legal action. Our enforcement teams are on the ground and liability will be pinned on local officials if violations are detected.” The government has also stepped up its campaign on vehicle emissions by issuing more than 1 lakh PUCCs (Pollution Under Control Certificates) in the last three days. As enforcement efforts intensify across Delhi. Multi-agency checks by Delhi Traffic Police, Department of Transport (Enforcement) and ANPR-based teams have resulted in a significant number of objections against vehicles without valid PUCC and GRAP violations.

In total, more than 12,000 warnings were issued over three days and more than 16,000 vehicles were checked to ensure compliance. In the last three days, 16,896 vehicles were checked across Delhi and 1,492 non-compliant vehicles were returned as part of intensified GRAP-IV enforcement against polluting vehicles.

In his statement, the minister also called on builders and industrial operators to violate emergency air quality regulations. “If any illegal or unauthorized construction is found to be going on in Delhi during GRAP-IV, immediate sealing will be done. The same will apply to industries operating without valid emission control measures. Authority does not mean immunity; each unit must operate strictly within pollution norms or be shut down.” To ensure accountability, field engineers and district officers have been instructed to maintain real-time supervision in their respective areas and face personal liability for violations detected under their jurisdiction. Simultaneously, teams were deployed to verify compatibility between industrial units identified in recent surveys. “This enhanced enforcement drive covers four pollution fronts – vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust and waste incineration – and ensures that no contributor to Delhi’s air pollution goes unchecked.”

Delhiites deserve clean air and we must work together to achieve this,” Sirsa added. “We will protect the city’s environment at all costs. Those who challenge GRAP-IV norms are directly harming public health and we will not allow it.” The Delhi Government continues to urge citizens, industrial owners, institutions and construction agencies to fully comply with pollution control measures and support the collective effort to protect the air quality of the national capital.

(Except the headline, the story has not been edited by DNA staff but is published directly from ANI)