Delhi govt lifts ban on construction activities as air quality improves
Real Estate

Delhi govt lifts ban on construction activities as air quality improves

On Monday, Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, told the media that New Delhi lifted a ban on construction projects as air quality enhanced marginally but offices and schools will remain shut till Wednesday at least.

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) dipped to 303 on a scale of 500, decreasing from 499 almost a week back, when a thick haze hung over the city of over 200 million people.

The present AQI levels still show very poor conditions, as per the government monitoring agencies. Air quality is gradually changing, the minister said. Labourers were meeting challenges, and that is why they have decided to resume construction work.

He said that the officials would observe construction sites to guarantee that builders follow dust-control terms fixed by the government. Rai said that Delhi would consider limiting private vehicles to driving on alternate days if severe air pollution remained to trouble India's capital.

Apart from preventing construction, the city government had closed schools and offices, letting people work from home. Rai told the media that the officials would examine the city's air quality on November 24 and then determine whether to resume schools and offices.

He additionally urged citizens to utilise public transport. Vehicular emissions added to over half of Delhi's air pollution between October 24 to November 8.

Delhi's choking air put many children in hospital with breathing difficulties, doctors told the media last week, and the government closed five power stations and extended school closures to check the crisis. Air quality declines sharply in the winter months in Delhi, frequently ranked the world's most polluted capital. Pollutants arising from transport, crop residue burning, industries, and coal-fired plants outside the city tend to get trapped as temperatures drop during winter.

Image Source

On Monday, Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, told the media that New Delhi lifted a ban on construction projects as air quality enhanced marginally but offices and schools will remain shut till Wednesday at least. Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) dipped to 303 on a scale of 500, decreasing from 499 almost a week back, when a thick haze hung over the city of over 200 million people. The present AQI levels still show very poor conditions, as per the government monitoring agencies. Air quality is gradually changing, the minister said. Labourers were meeting challenges, and that is why they have decided to resume construction work. He said that the officials would observe construction sites to guarantee that builders follow dust-control terms fixed by the government. Rai said that Delhi would consider limiting private vehicles to driving on alternate days if severe air pollution remained to trouble India's capital. Apart from preventing construction, the city government had closed schools and offices, letting people work from home. Rai told the media that the officials would examine the city's air quality on November 24 and then determine whether to resume schools and offices. He additionally urged citizens to utilise public transport. Vehicular emissions added to over half of Delhi's air pollution between October 24 to November 8. Delhi's choking air put many children in hospital with breathing difficulties, doctors told the media last week, and the government closed five power stations and extended school closures to check the crisis. Air quality declines sharply in the winter months in Delhi, frequently ranked the world's most polluted capital. Pollutants arising from transport, crop residue burning, industries, and coal-fired plants outside the city tend to get trapped as temperatures drop during winter. Image Source

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Aadhaar Authentications Cross 27 Billion in FY25

Aadhaar authentication transactions surged past 27.07 billion in FY 2024–25, including 2.47 billion in March alone, reflecting its growing adoption across sectors such as banking, finance, telecom, and public service delivery. Since its inception, the cumulative number of Aadhaar authentication transactions has exceeded 148 billion.The Unique Identification Authority of India’s (UIDAI) AI/ML-based face authentication technology is also witnessing a sharp rise in usage. In March 2025 alone, over 150 million face authentication transactions were recorded. This biometric modality is now used ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

IEPFA Holds Preparatory Meet for 'Niveshak Shivir' Initiative

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, hosted a preparatory meeting on April 28, 2025, with Nodal Officers from stakeholder companies via video conference. The session, chaired by IEPFA CEO Smt. Anita Shah Akella, focused on finalising operational plans for the upcoming ""Niveshak Shivir"" initiative—a joint effort between IEPFA and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).""Niveshak Shivir"" aims to improve investor services and streamline the claims process by reaching out to cities with a high nu..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India, France Sign Deal for 26 Rafale-Marine Jets for Navy

India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy, comprising 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets. The deal also includes training systems, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics, along with additional equipment for the Indian Air Force’s existing Rafale fleet.The IGA was signed by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. The agreement, along with supply protocols for aircraft and weapons, was exchanged in the..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?