Air Pollution in Patna: 48- Hour Ultimatum to Follow Environmental Norms in Construction Activities
Patna: In a proactive move to combat rising air pollution levels in the city, Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has introduced a set of stringent guidelines aimed at enforcing environmental responsibility. These measures were unveiled during a comprehensive meeting involving various departments and agencies on Monday.
The civic body has initiated an extensive campaign to identify buildings and construction sites that are not adhering to eco-friendly practices. Of utmost concern is the improper utilization of green belts. To rectify this issue, all government and private agencies have been issued a 48-hour ultimatum. During this critical window, they are mandated to not only clear construction materials from the roads but also to cover the construction area with green netted cloth.
Failure to comply with these directives within the stipulated time frame will lead to severe consequences. The PMC’s enforcement team will conduct inspections, and those found in violation will face fines or even a halt to their construction operations.
In its effort to curtail air pollution, the PMC has been employing innovative measures such as the twice-daily use of water sprinklers and anti-smoke guns. The frequency of these measures will soon be increased from two to three shifts, underscoring the city’s commitment to cleaner air.
Key highlights of the meeting include:
- Mandatory installation of green barriers by construction companies or agencies
- Prohibition on storing construction materials on public roads or sidewalks
- An appeal to the public to refrain from littering on roadways
- The requirement to use water sprinklers thrice a day to control dust.
- A plea to the public to abstain from burning garbage
- Stricter regulations on the transportation of construction materials, mandating their proper coverage
The meeting drew the participation of officials from various departments and agencies, including BUDCO, L&T, the Building Construction Department, Road Construction Department, Bihar Rajya Pul Niram Nigam Limited, Bihar State Road Development Corporation, and the Patna Metro Rail Project.
With these comprehensive measures in place, Patna is aiming to make significant strides towards reducing air pollution and fostering a more eco-friendly urban environment.
