Prohibition on Construction Due to Declining Air Quality and Delayed By At Least 3 to 4 Months  

After Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the “bad” level, authorities in the National Capital Region (NCR) were instructed to strictly carry out the steps outlined in Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The periodic construction bans imposed by the authorities because of the nearly annual increase in pollution have become a key barrier for the Delhi-NCR real estate market and are having an effect on project completion. An average one-month suspension of all construction work results in a project delay of at least one month. 

Environmentalists contend that an ongoing policy to reduce pollution is more urgently needed than an annual reactive strategy 

The worst air quality in Delhi-NCR typically occurs in the winter when thick smog blankets the whole area. According to GRAP guidelines, authorities must impose a ban on construction and demolition activities in the NCR, with the exception of essential projects (such as railways, metros, airports, ISBTs, and projects of national security/defence importance) and non-polluting activities (such as plumbing, carpentry, interior decoration, and electrical works). The choice made on October 5 relates to Stage 1 rather than Stage III. 

In a meeting, the subcommittee on GRAP of the Centre noticed that, on the previous day, there had been a “sudden decrease” in air quality metrics in the area, which had caused Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) to fall into the “bad” category. A reading of 201 to 300 is regarded as “bad.”  

“Today marks the start of the anti-dust campaign in Delhi. 12 government ministries and organizations have organized up to 586 teams to monitor dust pollution at construction sites throughout the city. Up until November 6, this campaign will go on for another month “explained Rai. To determine whether building sites are adhering to pollution standards, these teams will perform unforeseen checks there. These teams will perform unannounced checks at building sites to see if 

Real estate developers debate the necessity of and effectiveness of a general construction prohibition 

“It has a negative impact on construction activity. The main concern here is if AQI rises once development of sites stops completely. Construction workers return to their villages, job losses occur, project schedules are affected, and the financial institutions’ loan interest cycle is disturbed. Every year, the real estate industry must take the biggest hit. According to Amit Modi, president of CREDAI in Western UP, the agency should adopt a scientific approach.  

The 30 stages of building are noted by real estate developers. “It ought to be made clear which phase of construction is prohibited. but interior and painting projects are less harmful than excavation. 

Credai NCR has sent a letter to Delhi RERA and UPRERA on September 27 outlining issues that needed to be addressed under GRAP. It was noted that if the situation reached Stage III’s “severe” level, authorities would have to impose a ban on construction and demolition activities in the NCR, with the exception of vital projects like railways, metros, airports, ISBTs, projects important to national security or defence, and non-polluting activities like plumbing, carpentry, interior design, and electrical work. Under Stage III, it will also be illegal to operate brick kilns, hot mix plants, stone crushers that don’t use clean fuels, or to engage in mining or related operations in the NCR. 

Environmentalists advocate for year-round pollution reduction efforts rather than October-only quick fixes. The time has come for safeguards to be in place all year long. Environmentalists claim that this shouldn’t be an October syndrome.  

Why must we wait for GRAP to take effect? The actual action must take place all year long. I don’t think we can even now call it being “proactive.” It is “reactive” that we only discuss air pollution in October. Nothing will work unless we have an appropriate policy to reduce pollution all year round. It will not be successful to abruptly stop building after a year of continuous work with little to no monitoring and expect the air to improve. 

A lawyer for the environment named Akash Vashisht concurs. He added that the issue of vehicular emissions should also be taken seriously and that “meaningful and effective restrictions should be put in place throughout the year, not only for three months.”