8 projects fined 4L for flouting dust norms

Noida: The UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) imposed fines totalling Rs 4 lakh on eight projects and units for violation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) guidelines on the second day of Stage 1 implementation in Delhi-NCR. The Noida pollution department also imposed fines worth more than Rs 29 lakh on 23 projects. Fines were issued during a field inspection conducted by the board on Wednesday.

The projects and units were fined Rs 50,000 each. A contractor was fined for dust being emitted due to the use of machines for road construction work on Bisrakh Road in Techzone-4, Greater Noida.

Another party fined on Wednesday was a private school. Officials said that, during inspections, it was observed that construction activities were underway, and construction materials and excavated soil were stored in an open area outside school premises. The school authorities failed to take necessary measures, such as sprinkling water, to control the dust generated by the movement of vehicles on the road adjacent to the campus.

UPPCB regional officer, Greater Noida, DK Gupta said, "In all the projects and units construction work was seen going on without taking any measures, mainly sprinkling water and covering it through the green net to control the dust generated by such activities. We have issued fines to all of them and in future too it will continue to happen. If anyone is found violating GRAP, action will be taken on the spot."