What is the Delhi government doing to address the issue?

The Delhi government has mandated strict enforcement of 12-point dust control measures, but on-ground inspections reveal a lack of compliance and ineffective implementation of these protocols by authorities.

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Delhi Drowns in Dust as Construction Norms Lie Ignored

Q: Why is Delhi's air quality deteriorating?

Delhi's air quality has deteriorated due to the open flouting of dust pollution control norms and regulations for construction and demolition waste disposal across the city.

Q: How are construction activities contributing to Delhi's air pollution?

Construction sites are failing to implement mandatory measures like green net scaffolding, covering of construction material, and use of anti-smog guns, leading to the release of large amounts of dust into the air.

6 Nov

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Summary

Dust pollution control norms openly flouted across Delhi
Construction debris left uncovered, contributing to poor air quality
Authorities' anti-pollution measures proving ineffective

Delhi Drowns in Dust as Construction Norms Lie Ignored

On November 6th, 2025, a spot check by Hindustan Times has revealed that dust pollution control norms and regulations for construction and demolition waste disposal are being openly flouted across Delhi, leading to the city being enveloped in clouds of dust.

Under the Delhi government's winter action plan, strict enforcement of 12-point dust control measures, including green net scaffolding, covering of construction material, and use of anti-smog guns, was mandated. However, an on-the-ground investigation by HT in areas from east to west and north to south of the city has found these rules being blatantly disregarded.

The city's air quality index has officially ranged between 'poor' and 'very poor' since Diwali, with particulate matter (PM) 10 and PM2.5 being the lead pollutants. While there was a marginal improvement on November 6th due to increased wind speed, forecasts indicate the air quality is expected to deteriorate to 'very poor' the next day.