As part of an effort to reduce the amount of air pollution in Delhi, a color-coded warning system will be implemented for building sites. Using this color, the city's pollution control committee can quickly evaluate whether a particular construction company is subjected to a warning, fines, or even the possibility of getting shut down.
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Color-Coded Warning System for Construction Sites
On Wednesday, Mar. 27, the department apprised the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) that it has mandated the installation of actual time air quality sensors on all C&D sites exceeding 5,000 square meters. As mentioned, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Department of the Environment will be able to respond with action, which may include warnings, penalties, and ultimately the removal of the site itself, due to the warning system that is based on color codes, such as yellow, orange, red, and purple. Notifications via text message will promptly be issued to the construction site if PM10 levels are above the acceptable limits.
Accordingly, solid particulate matter particles with dimensions of fewer than 10 microns are referred to as PM10. These particles can quickly penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, causing severe diseases. In contrast to PM 2.5 pollution, mainly caused by combustion sources, PM 10 pollution is primarily caused by emissions from dust.
When the PM 10 levels are 20% higher than the standard of 100µg/m3, an auto-generated SMS will be issued to the builder, which will take place during the first or yellow stage. Yet, if four yellow alerts are received within a week, this will jump to the second or orange stage, and another SMS will be sent to the construction company, asking for prompt corrective action. This will be done to achieve the desired outcome.
Following the issuance of four orange alerts within 30 days, the C&D site will be placed in the third or red stage, resulting in the site receiving an official warning letter. The site will also identify local sources that may affect air quality during the red stage. In addition, the plan specifies that in the absence of an action report within three days, the site will be placed in the fourth or purple stage, requiring an urgent cessation of all pollution-intensive activities and a physical inspection by the DPCC. If necessary remediation is not performed, or if the violations are widespread, sites may be shut down during the purple stage of the process.
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Air Pollution in Delhi
Delhi, the capital of India, is susceptible to high pollution throughout the year. PM2.5 and PM10, as well as other pollutants and hazardous substances, are common in the air and harm human health. As of 2020, it is anticipated that 30.2 million people will be registered to live in Delhi. These people are crammed into a comparatively tiny area of 1,484 square kilometers, giving Delhi an unusually high population density. Moreover, the air quality information portal IQAir has determined that Delhi has been the most polluted capital globally for the past four years, making it one of the major cities that consistently ranks among the most polluted on the planet.
As the wind dies down and the temperature decreases, the air becomes more polluted, which traps pollutants from automobiles, industries, and the burning of agricultural waste. This occurs throughout the winter when farmers in neighboring states burn off stubble in preparation for fresh planting. As a result, heavy vehicles have been prevented from entering the city, and the city's authorities have temporarily prohibited development. Additionally, schools have been temporarily closed to safeguard the health and well-being of students and educators amidst the challenging environmental conditions.
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