Dust rises in city as construction work picks up ahead of GRAP

CONSTRUCTION activity has intensified across Delhi-NCR in the run-up to winter, just weeks before restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) come into effect.

- PRABHAT SHUKLA @NewDelhi

But residents say many builders are ignoring basic safeguards, worsening dust levels and adding to seasonal pollution woes. GRAP, revised last year, mandates strict curbs on construction and demolition when air quality deteriorates. At Stage III (“Severe” category, AQI 401-450), most dust-generating activities, including earth excavation, piling, brickwork, and road repairs, must stop.