Tough to restart work if labourers leave- Ghaziabad development body

While construction activities have finally been allowed in Ghaziabad, officials are not sure if work can be started given the absence of a full workforce.

According to a Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) official, there are 70 construction sites in the district, including private sites. “As per our database, there are 4,800 construction labourers who are camping at various construction site. As per the administration’s directions, only those workers will be used who are currently in the district,” said Kanchan Verma, vice chairperson, GDA.

Verma added, “We have learnt that of the 4,800 labourers, many are willing to go back to their home states, making it very difficult for work to start at construction sites.”

The GDA has already issued SOP for everyone at construction sites, facilitating resumption of work under the guidelines issued. “We will be issued photo identity cards and workers and contractors will have to follow it,” said Verma.

“There are do’s and don’ts — spitting at construction sites have been prohibited, thermal screening will be conducted of all workers and there will be a doctor present at the sites to monitor the health of workers,” said the official. “The sites will be sanitised and random tests of the at least five workers will be done by the doctors on a daily basis,” added Verma.

“In the case of private builders, contractors and private builders will have to seek prior permission from the GDA to restart work and they will have to appoint Covid marshals, who will be selected by the GDA,” added the official.