Gurugram's Dust Storm: Construction Debris Chokes City Despite Curbs

Despite restrictions under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Gurugram continues to suffer from dust pollution caused by uncovered construction debris and silica stored along roadsides. A spot check on Tuesday revealed that numerous commercial and residential projects, along with makeshift supplier shops, were keeping materials like bricks, sand, and cement exposed.

These uncovered materials along busy stretches in Sectors 67, 46, and 72 are a major source of dust, affecting commuters and residents. While GRAP-3 targets dust-generating activities, the open storage and sale of construction materials, often from unauthorized roadside premises, persist.

Excavation and construction work were observed on Arya Samaj Marg and at a project near Golf Estate Road, with sand and dust spread across significant stretches. Workers were seen engaged in activities like drilling and tiling, seemingly unhindered by pollution control measures.

Commuters reported experiencing eye and throat irritation due to the airborne silica. Some workers acknowledged that air quality is a secondary concern compared to meeting daily construction material needs. Despite these violations, a Haryana State Pollution Control Board official stated that inspection teams are active and penalties will be imposed on offenders.

On Saturday, several roads including Golf Course Extension Road and Maidawas Road were noted for having unpaved surfaces and dust-laden edges. The Commission for Air Quality Management announced the revocation of GRAP-4 restrictions on Tuesday, citing a marginal improvement in Delhi NCR's air quality, with the AQI at 378, still in the 'very poor' category.