Noida, Nov 12 (PTI) The Gautam Buddh Nagar administration has directed officials to strictly enforce the ban on construction and demolition activities in the district under GRAP-3, warning of action against violators amid deteriorating air quality in the region.
District Magistrate Medha Roopam issued the directions during a virtual review meeting held to assess compliance with the restrictions imposed after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR.
According to a statement issued by the district administration, Roopam directed all concerned departments to ensure strict compliance with the "complete ban on construction and demolition activities" and initiate action as per rules against those found violating the restrictions.
She also asked officials to conduct regular inspections and monitoring to ensure effective implementation of GRAP-3 measures and work in coordination to control air pollution.
The meeting was attended by officials of the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway industrial development authorities, the Gautam Buddh Nagar transport department and sub-divisional magistrates of Sadar, Dadri and Jewar, among others.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data updated at 4 pm on Thursday, based on the average air quality over the preceding 24 hours, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Noida stood at 311, placing it in the 'very poor' category, while Greater Noida recorded an AQI of 288, falling in the 'poor' category.
Real-time monitoring data during the day also showed AQI levels at some locations in Noida spiking well above 300 during the 24 hours leading up to Thursday evening.
