- GCC has proactively implemented measures to ensure responsible construction practices and mitigation of dust emissions.
Stricter Guidelines to Reduce Construction Dust and Improve Air Quality
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has introduced a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at curbing air pollution caused by construction activities. This move comes in response to rising concerns over dust pollution—a significant contributor to deteriorating air quality in urban areas.
Following the example set by Delhi’s construction ban in the National Capital Region (NCR), GCC has proactively implemented measures to ensure responsible construction practices and mitigation of dust emissions. The latest regulations impose mandatory barricades, dust control measures, and penalties for non-compliance.
Key Highlights of the New GCC Construction Guidelines
1. Mandatory Barricades and Dust Prevention Measures
To contain dust dispersion from construction sites, builders are now required to:
✔ Erect tin or metal sheet barricades—6m high for sites up to 1 acre and 10m high for sites larger than 1 acre—to prevent dust and debris from spilling onto public spaces.
✔ Cover all structures with high-density fabric, tarpaulin, or double-layered green net to minimize airborne dust particles.
✔ Use anti-smog guns, sprinklers, and fogging machines to suppress dust during demolition and construction activities.
✔ Ensure construction debris and raw materials are stored within the site and covered with tarpaulin sheets to prevent dust re-suspension.
2. Strict Debris Transportation Rules
To prevent dust pollution from trucks carrying construction waste, GCC has made it mandatory to:
✔ Cover all debris-laden vehicles with tarpaulin sheets to prevent dust spillage.
✔ Ensure waste is transported only to designated GCC-approved disposal sites.
✔ Avoid overloading vehicles, as it increases the risk of dust dispersion.
3. New Compliance & Monitoring System
🏗️ Construction sites must now provide 24/7 CCTV access to GCC authorities for monitoring compliance.
🛣️ Wheel washing stations must be installed at exits to prevent dust from settling on public roads.
🔍 GCC will conduct site inspections, and failure to comply within 15 days of notice may result in license revocation.
4. Penalty System for Violations
GCC has introduced hefty fines to ensure compliance:
💰 ₹5 lakh fine for sites larger than 20,000 sq. m violating high-significance norms.
💰 ₹50,000 fine for plot areas between 500 sq. m and 20,000 sq. m violating high-significance norms.
💰 ₹30,000 fine for plot areas between 300 sq. m and 500 sq. m violating high-significance norms.
⚠️ Additional orders to stop construction will be issued if violations are not rectified within 15 days.
5. Responsibilities of Builders & Construction Workers
🏗️ On-site personnel must be trained on air pollution mitigation techniques.
🔹 Proper storage & segregation of waste must be implemented, with all C&D (construction and demolition) waste being disposed of in GCC-designated sites.
🔹 Construction waste disposal and transportation must follow GCC’s C&D Waste Management Guidelines to avoid pollution from illegal dumping.
🦺 Workers must be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as respiratory masks, goggles, and protective gear to prevent exposure to airborne pollutants.
6. Public Participation and Reporting
Residents can contribute to the initiative by reporting violations or suggesting improvements via email at [email protected] within 30 days.
Why These Guidelines Matter for Chennai
According to Avinash Chanchal, Climate Campaigner at Greenpeace India, construction dust is a major contributor to Chennai’s poor air quality, which is often three to four times higher than WHO’s recommended standards.
Resident Complaints Include:
🚧 Unregulated metro rail digging leading to road obstructions and increased dust levels.
🚛 Illegal dumping of construction debris on the banks of Cooum and Adyar rivers.
🏗️ Lack of dust-cleaning measures on stormwater drain constructions, affecting major highways like the 200-feet Radial Road.
GCC’s new dust-control measures aim to create a healthier and more sustainable environment by ensuring cleaner air and well-maintained public spaces