Delhi Pollution Control Committee imposes fines worth Rs 4 cr on 31 RMC plants, 8 construction sites for violating air pollution control norms

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New Delhi: The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has imposed fines worth Rs 4 crore on 31 ready mix concrete (RMC) plants and eight large construction sites for violating air pollution control norms.

The pollution control body also issued directions to stop construction and demolition work at four large sites for not installing anti-smog guns and causing air pollution.

"Steps taken to minimize dust emission were deficient at 31 RMC plants. Accordingly, action has been initiated. Penalties ranging between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 20 lakh have been imposed," it said in a statement.

Directions have been issued to close 11 plants where violations were "more serious", it said.

The DPCC found that building materials such as aggregates, sand, cement etc were not fully covered and wind-breaking walls of specified height were not in place.

Inspections are being carried out at large construction sites having more than 20,000 sqm of built-up area.

Directions have been given to install anti-smog guns at all major construction and demolition sites, it said.

Construction was going on sans anti-smog guns at three sites. Accordingly, directions were issued to stop work immediately and install anti-smog guns.

The pollution control body also issued directions to stop work at a demolition site in Kasturba Nagar that did not have an anti-smog gun.

Inadequate dust control measures were observed at eight construction and demolition sites. Directions have been issued to rectify the deficiencies failing which the sites will be closed, it said.

The Central Public Works Department has been asked to stop work at CGO Complex and deposit an environmental compensation of Rs 5 Lakh for not taking dust control measures, including an anti-smog gun, the DPCC said.