HSPCB to roll out web portal to examine air quality data of C&D sites

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) will launch a web portal to examine per hour air quality data from construction and demolition (C&D) areas across the state. HSPCB secretary S Narayana told the media that the portal, with video fencing with remote connectivity and a live dashboard for easy monitoring, will be functional within a week. The decision comes after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining sites on December 20 ordered the state to launch a portal by January 22 over the increase in air pollution during winter owing to a combination of damaging meteorological factors and local emission due to dust, waste burning, C&D waste, vehicular emissions and stubble burning. The technological transformation will assist project proponents to self-audit and permit compliance of specified dust control standards and support monitoring of dust control measures at C&D sites. The project proponents are additionally likely to upload the self-declaration on a fortnightly basis. As per the officials, the PCB will make it compulsory for all C&D projects on over 500 sq m to record with the web portal, set up reliable and economical PM2.5 and PM10 sensors at project sites and connect them to a platform with live dashboard accessibility for CPCB, administrative departments and government agencies concerned. The C&D sites will also have to guarantee the execution of dust control steps, comprising construction material and debris, utilising water sprinklers and anti-smog guns. Image Source Also read: GMDA to set up 42 new air purifiers in Gurugram to curb air pollution