Bhubaneswar: In a strong push to tackle worsening air quality, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued stringent new guidelines to control dust pollution from construction activities across the city. The directives, issued through an office order on January 6, have come into effect immediately.
The decision follows a high-level review of the city’s air quality situation and applies to all construction, demolition, and renovation works, with special emphasis on large-scale projects such as apartments, commercial complexes, institutions, and hospitals.
Eight-Point Action Plan
The BMC has outlined an eight-point strategy focusing on dust containment and pollution prevention. Key measures include mandatory covering and washing of vehicles carrying construction materials, full cladding of construction sites, regular water sprinkling, and temporary or permanent paving of approach roads to reduce dust spread.
In a notable sustainability measure, builders have been directed to undertake peripheral plantation from the start of construction so that trees mature by the time projects are completed. Contractors must also strictly follow Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) guidelines and adopt modern technologies to limit air and noise pollution.
Zero Tolerance, Strict Penalties
The civic body has warned of strict enforcement and a zero-tolerance approach towards violations. Non-compliance will invite immediate suspension of building plans, stoppage of construction work, and legal action under the ODA Act, the Environment Protection Act, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
All Zonal Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to ensure effective implementation and wide dissemination of the new norms, as the BMC intensifies its efforts to improve air quality and public health in the state capital.
-OdishaAge
