What is the fine for dust violations by MCD?

MCD can levy fines up to Rs 5,000 for violations like open waste burning and dust mitigation issues at construction sites.

Why is MCD recovering so few dust pollution fines?

Limited staff, time-consuming recovery processes, and a focus on behavioral change contribute to the low recovery rate of imposed fines.

How effective are MCD's dust pollution campaigns?

Despite issuing numerous challans, the low recovery of fines suggests challenges in enforcement effectiveness, though MCD aims for behavioral change.

Home / Environment / Dust Fines Miss Mark: Delhi Civic Body Recovers Only 5% of Penalties

Dust Fines Miss Mark: Delhi Civic Body Recovers Only 5% of Penalties

11 Jan

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Summary

MCD issued Rs 3.6 crore in dust violation challans but recovered only Rs 19.5 lakh.
Smaller construction sites saw higher challans but minimal fine recovery.
Experts stress compliance is crucial for air quality improvements.

Dust Fines Miss Mark: Delhi Civic Body Recovers Only 5% of Penalties

Between September 1 and December 31, 2025, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) issued 2,122 challans for dust violations, amounting to Rs 3.6 crore in penalties. However, actual fine recoveries were a mere Rs 19.5 lakh, highlighting a significant enforcement gap. Challans issued to smaller construction sites under 500 square meters in December alone amounted to Rs 99.4 lakh, with only Rs 9 lakh recovered, despite thousands of inspections.

Enforcement for larger construction projects also showed weakness. Out of 1,629 sites over 500 square meters, only 42 received challans totaling Rs 30 lakh, with just Rs 1 lakh recovered. From April to December 2025, the building department issued 2,920 challans worth Rs 4.8 crore, but collected only Rs 28.1 lakh. November saw the highest number of challans post-Diwali, reflecting increased pollution levels.