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As dust pollution becomes a significant concern during the summer months in Delhi-NCR, the Haryana government has directed Gurgaon and Faridabad district administrations to evaluate the use of anti-smog guns at construction sites in the National Capital Region (NCR). Officials have been given one month to determine if the current deployment of these devices is sufficient to mitigate pollutants emitted from construction projects.
Anti-smog guns release fine water particles into the air, generating an artificial mist that helps settle dust, PM2.5 particles, and other pollutants. Dust becomes a primary pollutant in summer, as dry weather and warm winds cause it to linger in the air. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) mandates at least one anti-smog gun for construction sites covering 5,000 to 10,000 square meters, with the requirement increasing based on site size.
Presently, Gurgaon is home to approximately 900 large construction sites, such as high-rises, office buildings, and warehouses. The government order aims to identify and address any gaps in anti-smog gun deployment and usage, with a report due within a month.
The Supreme Court had previously directed the central government to install smog towers and anti-smog guns in the Delhi-NCR region in November 2019, and ordered the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to be part of the plan. Smog towers are essentially large-scale air purifiers, with the capacity to clean up to 32 million cubic meters of air per day. While these measures can provide temporary relief, experts argue that they do not address the root cause of pollution. Around half a dozen smog towers currently operate in Gurgaon and Faridabad.
Construction sites are known to be major contributors to air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. The fine particles released from these sites can exacerbate respiratory issues and other health problems among residents. The Haryana government's directive aims to address this growing concern and ensure that adequate measures are in place to minimize the impact of dust pollution on the population.
In addition to evaluating anti-smog guns, the Haryana pollution board must ensure that large construction sites are registered on the government portal for real-time air pollution monitoring. Launched in January, the portal enables the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) for NCR to track ambient air quality at construction and demolition sites. HSPCB officials have provided construction sites with a checklist for monitoring dust mitigation measures, and district administrations and the pollution board will be responsible for ongoing monitoring.
The checklist includes the use of anti-smog guns, water cannons and hoses, fire hydrants, sprinklers, and other dust suppression methods. Monitoring teams will inspect the construction sites regularly to ensure compliance with these measures and to enforce penalties for violations. The Haryana government's effort to combat dust pollution will also involve public awareness campaigns and collaboration with other stakeholders, including local authorities, construction companies, and residents.
In conclusion, the Haryana government's directive to assess the use of anti-smog guns at construction sites in Delhi-NCR aims to address the growing concern of dust pollution during the summer months. While these measures can provide temporary relief, long-term solutions will require addressing the root causes of pollution, ensuring strict compliance with mitigation measures, and fostering a collaborative approach among various stakeholders. The success of these initiatives will play a crucial role in improving air quality and safeguarding public health in the Delhi-NCR region.
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