Delhi govt intensifies winter action plan; dust rule violations to attract fine up to Rs 5 lakh

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday directed strict enforcement of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee’s (DPCC) dust mitigation guidelines at all road-cutting and construction sites as the city intensified its 'Winter Action Plan' to curb rising pollution levels. Under the Winter Action Plan, the DPCC has stepped up inspections, with nearly 2,000 enforcement personnel deployed across the city for real-time monitoring. Violations of the guidelines will attract environmental compensation of up to Rs 5 lakh, Sirsa said. Dust from road-cutting and construction activities remained a major source of PM2.5 pollution, stressing that strict adherence to mitigation measures was “non-negotiable”, he said. “Mitigating dust pollution at the source is essential to tackle rising PM2.5 levels and protect public health,” he said according to the statement. The guidelines mandate erecting 2-metre-high dust barriers along stretches wider than 18 metres, covering loose soil and debris, using green nets or tarpaulin for stored materials, keeping transport vehicles covered, storing construction waste only at designated sites, and regularly sprinkling water on unpaved areas. The rules also require dust masks for workers, clear signage on restoration timelines and diversions, and the use of only PUC-certified vehicles for material transport. Sirsa also said there would be “zero tolerance” for non-compliance and urged all executing agencies and contractors to ensure full adherence. “Our teams are actively monitoring all sites, and any breaches will attract prompt penalties. We expect complete cooperation from every stakeholder involved in road work,” he added. Meanwhile, the minister also appealed to citizens to report open burning, dust nuisances or violations for swift action, noting that public participation was crucial in controlling pollution. As part of broader measures, the government has ensured the operation of 305 community kitchens, providing cooked meals to over 5,000 people -- including workers and truck drivers to prevent biomass burning at project sites. An average of 3,000 km of roads is being mechanically swept daily to reduce loose dust, while polluting interstate trucks are being stopped at Delhi’s borders. Officials said enforcement teams continued to act against construction and demolition sites causing dust pollution, with over 50 such sites shut down so far for violations. In the last 24 hours, authorities inspected 331 construction sites under 500 sq m, carried out 510 checks for illegal dumping, and took action in 331 cases. All 50 complaints of municipal solid waste or biomass burning resulted in challans, and 3,108 vehicles were fined for lacking valid PUC certificates.