Coordination gaps and inadequate measures for GRAP enforcement in Gurugram

Despite enforcement efforts and the imposition of fines, construction activities in Gurugram persist in violation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) norms. Both the Haryana Shahri Vikas Parishad (HSVP) and the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) have been unable to effectively curb these activities, thereby undermining the efforts to revive the air quality in the region. The survey conducted in sectors 27, 28, 42, 43, 51, 52, 56, 57, and 46 reveals ongoing construction work and uncovered building materials, contributing to dust pollution. Although enforcement teams have issued challans and penalties, the field staff's actions have been insufficient, limited to a handful of challans. Responsibility for the maintenance of these sectors lies with MCG, while HSVP manages the approval of maps and issuing of occupation certificates. However, both authorities have been inactive in adhering to the rules of GRAP, allowing violations to persist. Notably, neither agency has appointed a nodal official or established a 24-hour helpline for reporting GRAP violations, a contrast to the town and country planning's approach. An HSVP official asserts they take action upon receiving information about GRAP violations, relying on staff or resident reports. Even during road construction, workers supervised by divisional officers and junior engineers violate rules. Concerns about the lack of measures, such as sprinkling water to settle dust, were raised by social activist Sharad Goel, who reported the matter to the district administration. Residents like Deepak Kumar highlight the irony of constructing roads amid poor air quality, emphasizing that such work could be postponed until air quality improves. The MCG claims to have issued 195 challans amounting to Rs 23 lakh under GRAP violations since its implementation on October 1. The highest number of challans, Rs 18.6 lakh, targets construction sites for non-compliance with norms. Of this, Rs 11.9 lakh has been issued solely to construction sites that continued work despite the ban. Additionally, 17 challans worth Rs 2.3 lakh are for unauthorized dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, and 43 challans of Rs 27,500 address garbage dumping. The civic body also issued 20 challans amounting to Rs 1.4 lakh for non-compliance with solid waste management (SWM) rules, 2016. Only 9 challans, imposing a penalty of Rs 45,000, have been issued for garbage burning. Environmentalists express concern that garbage burning might be underreported, given visible waste strewn across roads and vacant plots. MCG's joint commissioner Naresh Kumar states that they continuously sprinkle sewage treatment plant (STP) water on plants and roads to settle dust. Teams are also checking for GRAP violations. MCG's environment and sustainability wing has deployed officials to ensure GRAP guidelines are followed since October 1. These officials are directed to ensure dust mitigation measures, regular lifting of solid waste, C&D waste, and hazardous waste. However, C&D waste remains unaddressed at multiple sites across the city, indicating a gap in GRAP implementation. In conclusion, despite the imposition of fines and enforcement actions, the construction activities in Gurugram continue defying GRAP norms, causing environmental concerns. The lack of strict implementation and coordination between authorities underscores the challenges in effectively curbing violations and ensuring adherence to air quality guidelines.

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Coordination gaps and inadequate measures for GRAP enforcement in Gurugram

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