Gurugram's Dust War: Metal Walls Now Mandatory

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has issued a new mandate requiring corrugated galvanized iron (GI) or metal sheet barricading at all construction, reconstruction, demolition, and excavation sites. This directive aims to significantly curb dust pollution and enhance air quality in Gurugram and the NCR region.

Under the new guidelines, construction and demolition activities cannot commence or continue without complete enclosure of the site perimeter. Temporary fencing is prohibited. Barricades must be at least three meters high for sites of 500 square metres and above, and 2.4 meters for smaller sites. Higher barricades, up to 3.6 meters, are required near occupied buildings, schools, hospitals, or busy roads.

Full-height dust screening is also mandated for structures under construction or demolition. Buildings must be covered with dust-screening fabric or green netting on exposed sides. The MCG will establish a dedicated dust control and enforcement cell to monitor compliance. Operators must maintain barricades, prevent road encroachment, and display project details. Violators may face stop-work notices, environmental compensation, penalties, or even blacklisting. Ongoing projects are given 15 days to comply.