NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has mandated the use of high-density dust screens at all construction and demolition (C&D) sites within the national capital to enhance dust pollution control measures, as stated by officials on Monday.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has directed that the green nets employed at these sites must have a minimum thickness of 100 GSM (grams per square meter), and all project proponents are required to comply with this specification immediately.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized, “Our battle against air pollution in Delhi is pursued with urgency and a comprehensive government approach. We are implementing policy changes, scientific measures, technology-driven monitoring, and stricter enforcement to develop a strong barrier against air pollution in the city.”
Officials indicated that this decision comes in light of the significant role that construction and demolition activities play in dust pollution. It follows guidelines issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) regarding dust pollution control and inspection protocols for such projects.
Previously, norms only required construction sites to cover structures and stored materials with tarpaulins or green nets, without specifying minimum technical requirements for the nets. The new order establishes 100 GSM as the baseline standard for effective dust containment, particularly for particulate matter like PM2.5 and PM10.
Sirsa stated, “High-density dust screens are critical for effective dust management. By establishing a minimum standard of 100 GSM, the government is making dust mitigation practices at construction sites both practical and enforceable.”
Further, Sirsa noted, “The Delhi government is dedicated to ensuring that every anti-pollution regulation results in tangible actions at construction sites.”
The government is also developing “Dust Portal 2.0,” a centralized digital platform designed to monitor and regulate construction and demolition sites throughout Delhi. Registration for C&D sites on this dust portal is already mandatory, and officials noted that the upgraded system will enhance compliance tracking, transparency, and enforcement efforts.
The DPCC has instructed several agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Central Public Works Department, and the Public Works Department, to ensure immediate compliance with these orders.
