Delhi-NCR bans construction, demolition from November 5 to 20 to curb air pollution

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has announced a complete halt to construction and demolition activities across the National Capital Region (NCR) from November 5 to November 20 as part of efforts to curb rising air pollution.

"A complete halt of construction and demolition activities across the NCR region from November 5 to November 20 in a bid to control pollution," Yadav said, emphasising the need for strict compliance by all agencies to tackle deteriorating air quality across the region.

The directive comes amid stepped-up measures to address the seasonal spike in air pollution across Delhi-NCR as winter approaches.

Delhi's air quality remained in the 'Poor' category on Wednesday and Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) staying above 200. However, the situation improved on Friday, with the AQI dropping to 133 in the 'Moderate' category as of 4 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The improvement followed incessant overnight rainfall across the national capital, which brought down temperatures and introduced a noticeable nip in the air, signalling the onset of winter.

Late-night visuals from key locations, including Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and the Jamia Millia Islamia area, showed rain-soaked streets and steady downpours as dark clouds covered the night sky.

The showers also brought a noticeable change in weather conditions across Delhi-NCR. On October 29, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Delhi and adjoining NCR districts, forecasting spells of rain and thunderstorms over the next 24 to 48 hours. The weather department also forecast clear skies heading into early November.

Despite the temporary improvement in air quality following the rainfall, the November 5-20 construction and demolition ban forms part of broader measures to tackle pollution across the region.- Ends