Construction sites in Ahmedabad contribute to 16% of the respirable particulate matter pollution, ranking as the third largest source of dust in the city. To address this issue, the civic body mandates all construction sites, regardless of size, to install dust sensors and CCTVs for monitoring dust mitigation measures. Additionally, a large LED display board must be erected at each site to provide real-time air quality parameters to the public.
A senior AMC official stated, “The real-time feed from the dust sensors and CCTVs should be relayed to the AMC’s Smart City control and command centre.”
Following a recent survey on dust and particulate pollution commissioned by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), a draft policy for good construction practices has been formulated. It will undergo approval by the standing committee in the coming weeks.
The policy document, prepared by ICLEI-South Asia for the AMC, underscores the importance of considering the size of a construction project. Nearly 72% of newly registered sites fall within the 5,000 sq m to 10,000 sq m built-up area category, comprising 24% of the total sites. Projects exceeding 20,000 sq m, accounting for 18% of total sites, require environmental clearance.
“Dust pollution at construction sites arises from various activities such as demolition, cutting, crushing, drilling, excavation, operation of ready-mix concrete plants, material handling, storage and transfer, and the use of mist machines,” explained a senior AMC official.
Ahmedabad has been designated as a non-attainment city by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), indicating that its air quality fails to meet national standards. To address this, the AMC is implementing various interventions as part of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and the 15th Finance Commission recommendations.
With the construction boom in Ahmedabad, the number of registered sites has surged. As of 2022, over 452 sites were registered with the AMC, although the Gujarat Real Estate Regulatory Authority (GujRERA) suggests the actual number could be significantly higher. New construction sites produce approximately 50kg of earth per sq m, while demolition sites generate a staggering 400kg per sq m.