Concerned over the dust pollution caused but demolition work, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday instructed FICCI for the installation of anti-smog gun help in settling the dust and keep air clean at the site.
During his visit at the demolition sites at Pragati Maidan and FICCI, Rai said, “If FICCI does not install anti-smog guns then the demolition work will be stopped and a penalty will be imposed.”
“Violating the directions of the Delhi Government demolition work was going on at the FICCI campus,” Environment Minister noted and said demolition work can only start after the installation of anti-smog guns.
It may be recalled that to prevent dust pollution in Delhi, the Government has issued detailed guidelines for all construction sites under its the Anti Dust Pollution Campaign. And to strengthen the campaign, Delhi government has also identified 39 sites with more than 20,000 sq meter areas; out of this 33 sites have installed anti-smog guns but 6 sites have not.
Rai said, "Delhi government has made detailed norms for the construction sites and directed all the agencies to follow these norms. Wherever construction work is being done, instructions have been given to follow the given norms. It has been made mandatory to install green parks at all construction sites. Especially when the workers come to the construction site with the material, it has been instructed to cover and bring the material. The Delhi government has released a guideline for small to large construction sites. Around 14 teams are monitoring whether the guidelines issued by the government are being followed at the sites. Our effort now is to take all measures which can be taken to reduce pollution."
During the launch of its campaign - War against pollution, Delhi government had clearly said that we will take stringent action if the guidelines are not followed.
No relaxation can be given to anyone in this case. Anti-smog guns are just a solution, the main problem is dust and therefore water must be sprinkled. One way of sprinkling water is an anti-smog gun, which sprays water at a distance and it has a system which quickly pulls out the dust, an official said.
To prevent dust pollution, the government has issued detailed guidelines regarding the sprinkling of water, covering the materials, movement of vehicles and debris, the official added.