Construction, demolition ban in all of Delhi NCR ahead of peak smog spell

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has restricted outdoor construction and demolition work that raises dust across the National Capital Region (NCR) from November 5 to 20, a window that spans Diwali and what is typically the season’s worst stubble burning impact, extending the curbs to highways, roads and other linear public projects.

The order covers work on flyovers, overbridges, power transmission lines, pipelines and telecommunication works as well, although it exempts projects related to railways, metro services, airports, inter-state bus terminals, hospitals, water supply and sanitation, and national security and defence, along with projects of national importance.

Work from home, C&D activities curbUnion environment minister Bhupender Yadav announced the curbs on Friday as part of the Centre’s efforts to control air pollution in the region. CAQM notified them late on Friday in an order that applies across the NCR, including Delhi, and directs the NCR state governments and the Delhi government to enforce it. The window covers Diwali, on November 8, and the first two weeks of November, when stubble burning and its impact on Delhi have historically peaked.