Instal anti-smog guns or pay fine, 37 construction sites in Gurugram told

GURUGRAM: The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) on Saturday has issued warnings to 37 construction sites in the city who are yet to instal anti-smog guns at their establishments. Last October, around 900 big construction sites in Gurugram which were directed to put up these devices as a pollution control measure. The installation was pending at 72 sites this year, of which 35 have put up these anti-smog guns in the last two days, said an HSPCB official.
The units found to be in violation have been asked to comply by October 15, and defaulters will have to pay penalties, the official added. As per the directive, any construction site with a built-up area of 20,000 sq metres has to deploy at least one anti-smog gun.

“We have conducted a survey and found that 37 of the under-construction sites have not installed anti-smog guns which is a big concern. We have directed them to instal the machines by October 15. All of these sites are located on the southern peripheral road,” said Shakti Singh, regional officer (south), HSPCB.
He also said that 35 sites have installed anti-smog guns in the last two days. The anti-smog gun sprays water into the air and creates an artificial mist. This helps settle the dust and suspended particles — especially PM2.5, explained Singh.
Meanwhile, Kuldeep Singh, regional officer (north), HSPCB, said, “The construction sites in our area have been given a week’s notice and strict action will be taken against violators. We will carry out another survey after seven days to evaluate the situation.”
Gurugram’s air quality is still in the “moderate” range. Experts, however, predict the city will witness “poor” air days soon. Every year, the AQI deteriorates from moderate to poor and then, to very poor and severe levels in winter. The deadly cocktail of stubble burning and open burning of waste turns the air more toxic. As the temperature dips with the onset of winter, the pollutants are trapped, resulting in smog.