Under-construction buildings to be kept under protective covers to prevent pollution

The under-construction buildings, where the construction work is still going on, will now have to covered with curtains. The West Bengal Pollution Control Board recently sent a circular in this regard, to different municipalities, municipal corporations and notified areas after discussion with state environment department.

The circular specifically stated that no construction sites should be left uncovered. The uncovered construction sites not only increase the possibilities of accidents, but also augment the air pollution.

Although the ‘curtained’ under-construction sites are not enough to curb the level of air pollution, but it at least can provide some prevention.

Several buildings are getting set up in the urban areas especially in Kolkata and its suburbs.

“We have sent a circular to all the Urban Local Bodies such as municipalities, municipal corporations that under-construction buildings should be covered by the curtains till the construction work continues there. This rule will have to be followed across the state,” said a West Bengal Pollution Control Board source.

However, recently the state government conducted a study where the officers witnessed several under-construction buildings standing uncovered in Kolkata, New Town, Durgapur, Siliguri and Asansol. The decision was made after this study.

“No huge funding is required for the construction companies to cover the construction. It is basically lack of responsibility, that some of them are showing,” alleged a state environment department officer.

In this context, WBPCB conveyed the message to the state home department urging to take adequate steps against the offending realtors.

“We’ve already informed the matter to state home department. Now police will do their duty,” said the source.

“Sources of water pollution on building sites includes diesel and oil, paint, solvents, cleaners and other harmful chemicals; and construction debris and dirt. When land is cleared, it causes soil erosion that leads to silt-bearing run-off and sediment pollution,” a WBPCB scientist said.