Environmental Rules Must Be Followed by All Agencies, Government or Private: CM Rekha Gupta
Regular Inspections Underway at Construction Sites, No Exemptions for Violations: Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa
New Delhi, October 2026 : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi Government is taking concrete and sustained steps to control pollution. On the Chief Minister’s directions, the work of various agencies is being regularly monitored to ensure the effective implementation of pollution control measures. As part of this effort, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) is conducting regular and surprise inspections at sites of ongoing government and private projects across Delhi to check dust pollution from construction activities. The objective is to ensure compliance with prescribed environmental standards and take immediate corrective action, in accordance with the rules, wherever deficiencies are found. As part of this process, show-cause notices have been issued to the concerned project agencies at certain sites where prescribed dust control measures were found to be inadequate.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has made it clear that pollution control rules must be followed under all circumstances. The government’s priority is to ensure that prescribed pollution control measures are effectively implemented across all construction projects. Agencies complying with the rules can continue their work, but action will be taken in accordance with the rules wherever violations are found. No government department, construction agency, contractor or private company is above the law. The same rules that apply to private construction projects will also apply to government projects. No agency will be granted an exemption on the basis of its government status, the size of its project or any other consideration. Providing clean air to the people of Delhi remains the government’s priority.
Regular Monitoring and Inspections of Construction Sites by DPCC
With pollution levels expected to rise during winter, DPCC is conducting regular and surprise inspections of construction and infrastructure projects. During these inspections, compliance with prescribed dust control measures is checked at project sites, and action is taken against the concerned agencies wherever violations are found. During this exercise, deficiencies in compliance with prescribed dust control measures were identified at certain sites associated with the Delhi Jal Board, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation projects and National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC).
These include sewer line laying work being carried out by the Delhi Jal Board in the Patparganj Industrial Area. Under NHAI, inspections were conducted along the 17.2-kilometre corridor on NH-9/Rohtak Road, stretching from Punjabi Bagh to Tikri Kalan, particularly around Mundka Metro Station and the Mundka Industrial Area. In addition, inspections were carried out to check compliance with dust control measures at work sites related to the Delhi Metro/Central Vista project (CEM India Projects Limited), near Gate No. 3, close to Krishi Bhawan at Central Secretariat Metro Station. Inspections were also conducted at NBCC’s GPRA project sites in Sarojini Nagar and Netaji Nagar, where SAM India Private Limited is involved.
Show-Cause Notices Issued to Agencies for Violations
DPCC has issued show-cause notices to the concerned project operators at sites where prescribed rules were found to have been violated during inspections. Depending on the nature and severity of the violations, proposed action includes stopping construction work, disconnecting electricity supply and imposing environmental compensation under the applicable provisions.
The Chief Minister said the government’s objective is not to disrupt construction activities but to ensure that development and environmental protection go hand in hand. A system of regular inspections, time-bound corrective measures and action wherever necessary has been put in place. Projects complying with the rules will face no hindrance, but action will be taken wherever violations are found, even if the project belongs to a government agency.
Action Against Pollution Sources Ahead of Winter
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the action forms part of the Delhi Government’s broader strategy under the Winter Pollution Action Plan to address major sources of pollution before pollution levels begin to rise. Instead of responding only after pollution levels increase, the government is focusing on identifying sources and taking preventive measures in time.
As part of this effort, the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ initiative has been implemented in mission mode since October 1 to curb vehicular pollution. The Winter Pollution Action Plan also provides for time-bound action against major sources of pollution, including vehicular emissions, dust from roads and construction sites, industrial pollution, the burning of waste and organic residue, traffic and identified pollution hotspots.
Focus on Technology, Monitoring and Accountability
The Chief Minister also said that technology-based monitoring has been strengthened through the Integrated Command and Control Centre to make pollution control measures more effective. The focus is on linking real-time pollution data with action on the ground. The government’s priority is to identify sources of pollution, fix responsibility and ensure timely corrective action.
Construction agencies and project operators have been directed to properly cover construction materials and debris, arrange for water sprinkling, install and operate anti-smog guns wherever required, put up barriers to prevent dust from spreading with the wind, and ensure registration on the dust monitoring portal along with compliance with prescribed requirements.
Emphasis on Regular Monitoring and Uniform Enforcement
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government’s pollution control strategy is based on prevention, regular monitoring and effective enforcement. Controlling dust from construction sites is an important part of this effort. DPCC is regularly conducting field inspections to ensure that all projects comply with environmental standards. Agencies responsible for sites where violations are found are being held accountable.
He said the government’s message is clear: development work must continue, but pollution control rules must be followed in full. Government agencies are expected to set an example in this regard. If a violation is found at a government project, the same action will be taken as would be taken against a private project. Protecting Delhi’s air quality and the health of its citizens remains paramount, and no one will receive special treatment when it comes to compliance with rules and accountability.
