Centre initiates measures to monitor pollution along highway construction sites
28 Jul 2023 12:43:46
New Delhi, Jul 28: In consideration of increasing pollution levels, government has initiated steps to monitor air quality and pollution on highways across the country. The information regarding the initiative was shared in Rajya Sabha by Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Union Minister of State for for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
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The steps being taken to monitor air quality at construction sites, particularly near highways include deployment of dedicated teams on the field to check air pollution related activities, statutory directions to all road owning & maintaining agencies for setting up of ‘dust control and management cells’, monitoring through a dedicated web-portal, video fencing of projects, installation of anti-smog guns, screens at construction sites, use of dust suppressants and water mist, transportation of C&D materials in covered vehicles, installation of air quality monitoring sensors in project sites and self-audit and certification mechanism by the agencies concerned.
According to the ministry's statement, Dust Control & Management Cell set up shall regularly monitor the progress of dust control measures undertaken and prepare reports on a monthly basis. Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has issued several guidelines, directions in this regard. Further, the State Pollution Control Boards & Delhi Pollution Control Committee and other concerned agencies shall continue to monitor and enforce the dust mitigation and control measures.
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