NEW DELHI: As air quality in Delhi hovers around the ‘severe’ mark, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Saturday that stringent actions will be taken against polluting industries and anyone breaching the construction ban in the national capital.
According to predictions from the India Meteorological Department, a western disturbance is expected to influence Delhi on Sunday, potentially exacerbating the already poor air quality.
Currently, GRAP 4 restrictions are enforced citywide.
Sirsa noted that authorities are receiving multiple complaints regarding construction activities continuing despite the ban. He warned violators of strict consequences.
He instructed all industries in Delhi to adhere strictly to pollution control regulations, emphasizing that no polluting industries may operate during this enforcement period.
“We cannot compromise the health of Delhi residents. Any industry that is found to be polluting or operating illegally will be sealed,” he cautioned.
Sirsa urged citizens and builders to cease all construction operations during this ban, warning that illegal activities would be met with penalties and that district administrations are to take decisive action.
In light of deteriorating air quality, authorities have prohibited the entry of private vehicles from outside Delhi which fail to comply with BS-VI emission standards since Thursday.
The ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule has also been implemented, restricting fuel stations from dispensing to vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
This enforcement is supported by automatic number plate recognition cameras, voice alerts at fuel stations, and police assistance.
