Construction, demolition works halted at Delhi Metro sites, MCD areas

In line with the order of the city administration, construction and demolition activities at Delhi Metro sites and areas under the jurisdiction of municipal corporations have been suspended for this week with immediate effect to improve the air quality.
"Excavation, backfilling works have been be suspended for five days. Dry dismantling of concrete and bricks, which are likely to cause dust pollution and dry stone cutting will be suspended too," a senior Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) official said.
"These steps have been taken in compliance with the instructions given by the Delhi government regarding construction sites," he said.
Delhi is facing its worst smog in 17 years and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had yesterday announced "emergency" measures to deal with the situation, including ban on construction and demolition activities for five days and temporary closure of Badarpur Power Plant.

However, Lt Governor Najeeb Jung after chairing a high-level meeting today with Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, Environment Minister Imran Hussain and representatives from other agencies, extended the period of ban till November 14.
Municipal and DMRC authorities said the city administration's order will be complied with.

"Water is being sprinkled regularly to avoid soil erosion and dust pollution. The muck generated from excavation is disposed of at designated areas using dumpers with tarpaulin cover on top. Wheels of trucks exiting construction sites are thoroughly washed before they enter public roads," DMRC said.
"To prevent land and water contamination, hazardous liquid wastes such as used oil and chemicals are disposed of only through government-approved recyclers of such waste," it added.

Civic officials said, the ban will apply to all properties, public or private, and they will have to comply with it.
Despite the ban being imposed with immediate effect, construction works at some sites were still seen going on.
A senior official at the LG office said the decisions taken today will be reviewed at the next meeting on November 15.