MCG has issued 879 challans since the implementation of the graded response action plan (GRAP), imposing penalties amounting to Rs 36.7 lakh for various environmental violations.
Over half of the fines (56%) were issued to construction sites smaller than 500 sq metres for failing to implement dust control measures. Penalties worth Rs 6 lakh were also levied for the illegal dumping of construction waste, officials said.
Illegal dumping of solid waste accounted for the highest number of challans (331), with fines totaling Rs 5.4 lakh. Additionally, 259 challans worth Rs 2.18 lakh were issued for the use of single-use plastic, and 21 challans amounting to Rs 1.05 lakh were imposed for waste burning under GRAP guidelines.MCG commissioner Ashok Kumar Garg emphasised the collective responsibility for environmental protection. “A clean environment is crucial for life, and everyone must contribute to protecting it. Activities prohibited under GRAP, such as waste burning, using single-use plastics, or transporting uncovered debris, will result in penalties and possible legal action,” Garg said.
GRAP guidelines are enforced based on the air quality index (AQI). Stage 1 is implemented when AQI is between 201-300, Stage 2 for AQI between 301-400, Stage-3 for ‘severe’ AQI (401-500), and Stage 4 for AQI beyond 500 (‘severe+’).
To mitigate pollution, the MCG has deployed anti-smog guns to spray treated water from sewage treatment plants on roads and trees. Additionally, mechanical sweeping of roads is carried out at night, officials added.
