The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has taken strict action against construction sites violating the rules of Graded Response Action Plan-4 (GRAP-4) for air pollution control in the capital. Officials said that a total of challans/fines worth ₹33.95 lakh have been issued in the last one week and people violating the rules are being continuously cracked down on.

Violation of GRAP-4 rules: Scope of action increased
During GRAP-4, there is a complete ban on construction and demolition work and strict standards of dust-pollution control are mandatory. On violations, MCD enforcement teams inspected more than 1,792 construction sites across all zones of the city and issued 771 challans wherever violations were found.

News of big fine: Increased action against contractors
In a major fine, a challan of ₹5 lakh was also imposed on a builder in Sector 19B of Dawake, while different penalties were imposed at other sites for not adopting dust control measures. MCD officials said that during the inspection, construction contractors, site owners and laborers were sensitized about GRAP-4 rules and dust control measures and instructed to strictly follow them.

MCD’s zero-tolerance policy: Appeal to citizens for cooperation
Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy, MCD said that there will be continuous investigation, monitoring and strict action against violators to help improve air quality and protect public health. An appeal has also been made for cooperation from common citizens and developers.

Importance of GRAP-4: Necessary Steps to Control Pollution
GRAP-4 is the fourth phase implemented at the most severe level of air pollution, which includes strict measures like vehicle restrictions, construction ban, work-from-home, conditions in operation of schools etc. Its objective is to rapidly reduce emissions from pollution sources and improve air quality.