Real Estate
UPPCB Clarifies: Carpentry and Steel Binding Allowed Under GRAP Stages 3 and 4
By GeoSquare News Desk · Published 2024-12-02
The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has provided much-needed clarity on the enforcement of GRAP guidelines, stating that less-polluting construction activities, such as steel binding and carpentry, are allowed under GRAP stages 3 and 4. This clarification comes in response to a complaint from CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India) regarding local enforcement officials misinterpreting CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) guidelines and imposing a blanket ban on all construction activities.
In a letter dated November 22, CREDAI NCR Secretary Gaurav Gupta raised concerns that local enforcement officers were implementing a blanket ban on all construction and demolition (C&D) activities, contrary to CAQM's guidelines. CREDAI argued that less-polluting tasks, such as steel binding, shuttering, and carpentry, are explicitly permitted under CAQM rules, provided they adhere to strict dust control measures. The association highlighted that this misinterpretation was causing significant delays in projects, causing hardship for thousands of workers, and negatively affecting homebuyers.
CREDAI cited CAQM orders issued on September 17, November 14, and November 17, which outline the actions to be taken under GRAP. These guidelines clearly state that specific dust-generating activities, such as excavation, piling, and road construction, are banned. However, less-polluting tasks are permitted if they comply with the Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Management Rules. Gupta emphasized that the misinterpretation of these guidelines had led to unnecessary work stoppages, causing distress for thousands of construction workers in the NCR region and delays in crucial projects, resulting in substantial losses and harm to homebuyers. Gupta called on the UPPCB to issue clear directives to enforcement teams to prevent further confusion.
Utsav Sharma, the UPPCB regional officer, clarified that GRAP guidelines do not impose a blanket ban on all construction and demolition activities at any stage. He explained that during GRAP stages 3 and 4, specific guidelines are in place for construction sites to control dust pollution. During Stage 4 of GRAP, all activities prohibited under Stage 3 remain banned. However, as in Stage 3, less-polluting or dust-generating activities are permitted during Stage 4, provided they strictly comply with the C&D Waste Management Rules and relevant directives.
The UPPCB has urged all construction sites in Noida and Greater Noida to implement specific measures to reduce dust pollution and comply with environmental guidelines. These measures include the use of water sprinklers, dust suppressants, and anti-smog guns to control airborne particles. Nikhil Hawelia, the joint secretary of CREDAI NCR and MD of Hawelia Group, mentioned that the UPPCB's clarification had alleviated concerns within the real estate sector, as work had now resumed at several sites in Noida.
In conclusion, the clarification by the State Pollution Control Board has provided much-needed clarity to the construction sector, especially in Noida and Greater Noida, where confusion over GRAP guidelines had led to disruptions. By permitting less-polluting activities with proper dust control measures, the board has ensured that critical construction projects can resume without compromising environmental standards. This resolution supports both the real estate sector and the workforce. The UPPCB's ongoing efforts to monitor and enforce compliance with dust control measures will be essential in maintaining a balance between construction activities and environmental protection.