Dug-up roads, unchecked dust add to pollution woes

Even as Delhi’s air quality slips back into the ‘severe’ category, unchecked dust particles from construction sites and dug-up roads continue to choke several neighbourhoods across the city.

Spot checks by The Hindu found visible dust pollution at multiple locations on Saturday, including near Kartavya Bhavan in central Delhi, the Defence Colony flyover stretch in south Delhi, and several pockets of Palam in south-west Delhi.

A Central government official said the issue of dust pollution and the need for stringent curbs was raised with Delhi authorities at a meeting earlier this month. Dust remains one of the major and locally generated pollution sources in the city.

According to experts, unlike incidents of stubble burning or emissions drifting in from neighbouring States, city authorities are responsible for ensuring dust control in the Capital. The Delhi government did not respond to The Hindu’s queries on the issue till the time of going to press.

On Saturday afternoon, a nearly 200-metre stretch of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, running along Kartavya Bhavans 2 and 3 near India Gate, remained dug up for construction of footpaths. Mounds of soil lined the road. Passing vehicles dragged the earth onto the carriageway, sending clouds of dust into the air.

Violation of rules

Under the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016, waste generators must prevent littering or obstruction and keep construction waste within their premises. The Central Pollution Control Board’s 2017 dust-control guidelines mandate covering loose material with plastic or tarpaulin sheets and ensuring debris at temporary storage sites is enclosed.

In Palam Colony’s Manglapuri, where a vegetable market and a bus depot draw heavy footfall, dust has become an everyday hazard. A 10-foot-deep pit dug up to lay new water pipelines was filled up the next day. It left a heap of loose soil. Vehicles now drive over the bulging mound, kicking up clouds of dust. Nearby, another pit lies open with soil piled up along its edges.

“Dust is visible on vehicles, clothes, and phone screens once you pass through this area,” said Rakesh Kumar, a resident.

Locals say roads have been dug up continuously for various reasons over the past two years. “First gas pipelines, then water, and now sewage. Workers leave the soil as it is because they know they will dig it up again in a few months,” Mr. Kumar said.

“Children coming to the anganwadi have been repeatedly falling ill. Those as young as six years complain of chest pains and body aches,” said Usha Rani, an anganwadi worker.

Residents across Palam Colony, Palam Extension, Dabri, and Dwarka Sectors 1, 5, and 7 have raised similar issues.