Hussain inspects construction sites at Vivek Vihar, Karol Bagh

Environment minister Imran Hussain on Saturday conducted surprise inspection at various construction sites in Vivek Vihar, Anand Vihar, Karol Bagh areas and found some of them violating dust control measures.

The inspections were held to check burning of dry leaves and waste material in the open and also dust emissions from construction sites.

A senior government official said that the inspection was carried out in the presence of officers of Environment Department, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) as well as Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) of concerned areas.

In accordance with the decision of the National Green Tribunal, the Environment Department has directed all Land Owning Agencies to impose a fine of Rs 5,000 on those indulging in burning of waste material in the open and a fine of Rs 50,000 on the owners/ builders for not following the dust control measures while carrying out construction activity.

Hussain inspected a site at Anand Vihar where a commercial complex under construction was found not complying with the norms of dust control as the building material including soil and sand was found uncovered and the constructed structure was also found not covered with plastic/ tarpaulin on all sides. Two more construction sites were visited at Ram Vihar which were also found violating dust control measures. The Minister ordered the SDM concerned to take action against the owner builder, in accordance with the NGT orders.