Delhi NCR Grapples with Construction Ban Amidst Air Quality Crisis
As air quality deteriorates, the nation’s capital, Delhi, has implemented GRAP-3. Currently, all non-essential construction and demolition activities stand prohibited. Speculation abounds, wondering whether the construction ban will extend to the entire Delhi NCR region. Explore how this shift impacts project deliveries across the city.
The Smog Threatens Construction
Despite the implementation of GRAP on October 1, 2023, construction sites largely ignored necessary precautions. Consequently, authorities in Delhi NCR have banned all non-essential construction work to combat rising pollution. This section will analyze the potential impact on the city’s construction sector.
At a recent meeting, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) predicted that unfavorable weather conditions would exacerbate pollution levels in Delhi NCR. On November 2, 2023, Delhi’s AQI reached 402, signaling “severe” air quality.
The construction industry is not the sole one affected; schools are also feeling the pinch. They now recommend a shift to online learning. Moreover, the capital has barred light commercial vehicles and diesel trucks from entering the city.
The nation’s capital has now implemented the Central Government’s GRAP-3 (Graded Response Action Plan), activating countermeasures aligning with the “severe” air quality category.
Understanding the Stages of GRAP
Delhi NCR employs GRAP, a structured approach to monitor air pollution levels. It generally comprises four phases contingent on the region’s consistent AQI.
Stages of the Graded Response Action Plan
The AQI Area Levels of GRAP
201-300 Poor Stage 1
301-400 Very Poor Stage 2
400-450 Severe Stage 3
450 and above Severe Plus Stage 4
Each winter, a smoky haze envelops Delhi NCR, endangering the health of millions. Despite interventions, the air continues to pollute, with AQI levels consistently breaching safe limits. Keep in mind that any AQI value exceeding 60 poses a health risk.
October 2022 presented a similar scenario. While the area’s AQI average remained minimal during the final week of October 2022, smog levels surged to the “severe” category after November 1, 2022. On December 4, 2022, authorities imposed a three-day restriction due to escalating air pollution. Officials stressed the importance of adhering to dust control regulations even after the ban lifted.
GRAP-3 Restrictions Detailed
Stage 3 of GRAP falls under the purview of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which enforces stringent guidelines. The restrictions include:
- Earthwork activities such as digging, filling, boring, and drilling.
- Structural construction tasks from fabrication to demolition.
- Movement of construction materials, including loading and unloading.
- Raw material shipments, including fly ash.
- Vehicle movement on unpaved surfaces.
- Infrastructure projects such as installing waterlines and sewers.
- Flooring projects using stones, tiles, etc.
- Grinding, painting, waterproofing, etc.
However, essential projects linked to railroads, metro, national security, and defense remain exempt from the restrictions.
Actions Taken to Combat Pollution in Delhi
On November 1, 2023, Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the Delhi government’s decision to prohibit diesel buses from NCR States from entering the city. Currently, only BS-VI compliant, electric, or CNG-powered buses can operate legally.
Government departments in Delhi have directed their security personnel to acquire heaters to discourage the burning of fuel wood during the cold winter months. This measure aims to mitigate the environmental impact of wood burning and provide an alternative heating solution.
Potential Impact on Delhi NCR's Real Estate
In Delhi NCR, encompassing Greater Noida West, Yamuna Expressway, New Gurgaon, Noida Expressway, Dwarka Expressway, Central Noida, Greater Faridabad, Raj Nagar Extension in Ghaziabad, Sohna Road, and Golf Course Extension Road, over 4.5 lakh residential units are currently under construction. The total number of units in these areas exceeds 4 lakh.
A construction ban stemming from air pollution could significantly impede ongoing projects. Delays may occur considering that residential projects in Delhi NCR typically require 6-8 years for completion. Poor air quality that halts construction could have serious consequences, potentially delaying a project by three to four months for each month of inactivity.