Ahmedabad’s Pollution Crackdown Dust Sensors Mandatory at Construction Sites

In a proactive move to combat air pollution, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has mandated the installation of dust sensors at all construction sites within the city.

Acknowledging the significant contribution of construction activities to air pollution, particularly respirable particulate matter pollution, the AMC has taken decisive steps to monitor and mitigate dust emissions arising from building sites. According to recent data, construction sites in Ahmedabad are responsible for approximately 16% of the city’s respirable particulate matter pollution, ranking as the third-largest source of dust pollution. In response to this alarming statistic, the civic body has issued a directive requiring all construction sites, regardless of size, to install dust sensors and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor dust mitigation measures effectively. Additionally, as part of the new policy, construction sites are mandated to erect large LED display boards showcasing real-time air quality parameters to the public. This transparency ensures that citizens are informed about the air quality in their vicinity, fostering awareness and accountability among stakeholders.

The real-time data collected from the dust sensors and CCTVs will be relayed to the AMC’s Smart City control and command centre, facilitating prompt action and intervention in case of any violations or discrepancies. This integrated approach underscores the AMC’s commitment to leveraging technology for environmental monitoring and enforcement. Furthermore, a draft policy for good construction practices, formulated in collaboration with ICLEI-South Asia, has been developed based on a comprehensive survey on dust and particulate pollution commissioned by the AMC. The policy emphasises the importance of adhering to environmental standards and implementing effective dust mitigation measures throughout the construction process.

Notably, the policy document addresses the size of construction projects, with projects exceeding 20,000 sq m requiring environmental clearance. This regulatory framework aims to regulate construction activities and minimise their environmental impact, particularly in a city like Ahmedabad, which has been designated as a non-attainment city by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). As Ahmedabad experiences a construction boom, the number of registered construction sites has surged. The AMC’s initiative to mandate dust sensors and enforce good construction practices underscores its proactive approach towards addressing air pollution and safeguarding public health and environmental sustainability in the city.