Two contractors fined for environmental norms violation

NEW DELHI: Delhi environment minister Imran Hussain on Saturday visited some construction sites at DDU Marg and found a violation of environmental norms thereafter fined them with Rs 50,000.

"Inspected 2 under construction sites at DDU marg & found that gross violation of environmental rules reg dust pollution was taking place. The administrative officers present with me at the site issued challan of Rs 50,000 each on both contractors," he tweeted.

Earlier, he directed all agencies to be on alert and take all possible measures to control air pollution, which has spiked to alarming levels due to adverse metrological conditions and rampant stubble burning in surrounding states.

The Supreme Court on November 26 came down heavily on the Centre and civic agencies for lack of action in pollution-related complaints. The court said that the local agencies–the municipalities–had failed to address the grievances of the citizens and lax officials should be put behind bars.

"The Supreme Court has a set a higher benchmark for enforcement. Observations by the apex court indicate that even local agencies such as municipalities could be made legally accountable for not taking action on a compliant," says Vivek Chattopadhyay of CSE.