NEW DELHI: A delegation of
traders
involved in the construction and allied sectors on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Union environment minister
Prakash Javadekar explaining the problems faced by them due to the ban on all building activities.
“Under the aegis of Nirmaan Udyog Bachao Morcha Delhi, we are demanding lifting of the ban. Thousands of industries have closed down and millions of labourers have become unemployed due to the restrictions. The small and medium-scale traders are unable to pay salaries to the employees, while those working on rented property are unable to pay the rents,” said Anil Kumar Yadav, a building contractor and convener of the morcha.
The delegation has asked the minister to “intervene and instruct
EPCA
or CPCB or departments concerned to lift the ban”. At a meeting on Wednesday at Constitution Club, Rafi Marg, the traders decided to urge the government to consider their “frightening situation” and lift the ban. “If our problem is not resolved, we are ready to protest,” Yadav said.
According to the traders, there are many aspects of the construction industry such as shuttering work, rebar tying, ready mix concrete work, block work, among others, that do not cause pollution. “Then why are all such works banned.”
Aneesh Mishra, general secretary, Delhi chapter of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, “The daily wagers have hand to mouth sustenance. These things should be thought about first. The GRAP measure is still fine till the pollution is in emergency levels, but this blind blanket ban is not done.”