By Chandan Singh, Page 3 News Worldwide
New Delhi: In a sweeping enforcement drive against dust pollution, the Delhi government has intensified real-time surveillance across construction and industrial sites—an effort led by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who has positioned strict, technology-backed monitoring at the centre of the city’s pollution-control strategy.
Since October 15, 1,262 construction sites above 500 sq m have been inspected, resulting in over Rs 2.36 crore in environmental fines. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has also issued over 200 show-cause notices, ordered 48 closures, and penalised 35 violators.
Sirsa said the government under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is finally delivering “real consequences” for pollution violations. “Every project is under round-the-clock scrutiny. This is not a season-based response but year-long scientific enforcement,” he said.
A key driver of the crackdown is the DPCC’s real-time monitoring portal, where 747 sites are now registered with live video fencing and PM2.5–PM10 sensors. Of these, 461 sites have undergone intensified inspections. Mandatory display boards at sites now ensure public transparency.
DPCC teams are simultaneously scanning 4,881 localities, with 467 surveyed so far and 33 violations flagged for immediate action. Over 1,800 personnel from multiple agencies are involved in ground inspections, monitoring diesel generators, high-emission industries, and enforcing the mandated shift to PNG.
Sirsa personally reviewed dust mitigation in Palam, Dwarka, and Mahipalpur, directing teams to ensure proper barricading, water sprinkling, and debris removal. He also oversaw enhanced operations at 62 traffic-prone hotspots.
Highlighting the city’s strengthened winter action plan, Sirsa said Delhi is building “future-ready, transparent enforcement” and urged citizens to report violations via the Green Delhi app. “Together, we can hold polluters accountable and secure cleaner air for Delhi,” he added.
