NCR: Developers urge on need for ‘balance’

NCR: Developers urge on need for ‘balance’

As winter descends upon the National Capital Region (NCR), a familiar and unwelcome guest arrives: a thick, toxic smog that blankets the sky. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has once again enforced the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), with Stage III restrictions bringing a sudden halt to most construction and demolition activities across Delhi-NCR. While these measures are crucial for safeguarding public health against hazardous air quality, they have ignited a pressing debate about their economic repercussions, prompting developers to call for a more balanced and sustainable solution.

The real estate and infrastructure sectors, which form a cornerstone of the North Indian economy, are once again facing significant disruption. The sudden stoppage of work not only affects developers but sends shockwaves through a vast ecosystem that includes lakhs of labourers, suppliers of raw materials, and homebuyers eagerly awaiting their properties.

The Economic Ripple Effect of a Blanket Ban

The enforcement of a blanket ban on construction, while well-intentioned, has far-reaching economic consequences that cannot be ignored. Industry experts highlight several key areas of concern:

• Project Delays and Cost Overruns: Every day of stalled work leads to significant delays in project timelines. This not only postpones the delivery of homes and commercial spaces but also escalates costs for developers due to idle resources, labour, and mounting interest payments. These costs are often, directly or indirectly, passed on to the end consumer.
• Livelihoods at Stake: The construction sector is one of the largest employers of semi-skilled and unskilled labour in the country. A sudden halt renders millions of daily wage workers jobless overnight, forcing a mass exodus from cities and creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
• Supply Chain Disruption: The ban doesn’t just stop work at the site; it paralyzes the entire supply chain. Industries producing cement, steel, bricks, and other essential construction materials see a dramatic fall in demand, impacting their operations and workforce.
• Eroding Investor Confidence: The recurring nature of these bans creates an environment of uncertainty, making investors wary of committing capital to the NCR real estate market. This can stifle growth and slow down the pace of infrastructure development in the long run.

Is Construction the Primary Culprit?

While construction dust is undeniably a contributor to air pollution, developers and some environmental experts argue that it is not the largest source. According to studies from various sources, including government-backed institutions, the major contributors to Delhi’s winter pollution are vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and, most significantly, stubble burning in neighbouring states.

Industry bodies like the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) have pointed out that the real estate sector has been proactive in adopting measures to control dust pollution. Many organised developers already use anti-smog guns, water sprinklers, and screening to mitigate dust. They argue that a blanket ban punishes the compliant along with the non-compliant and that a more targeted approach is needed. For more details on the graded response, you can refer to the official CAQM website.

A Plea for a Balanced and Scientific Approach

In light of these challenges, the real estate community is advocating for a middle path—one that balances environmental concerns with economic realities. The call is not to ignore pollution but to manage it more intelligently. Here are some of the solutions being proposed:

• Allow Non-Polluting Activities: Instead of a complete shutdown, the government could permit non-polluting construction activities to continue. This includes plumbing, electrical work, interior finishing, painting, and carpentry, which do not generate significant dust.
• Enforce On-Site Mitigation: Rather than a blanket ban, authorities could focus on strictly enforcing pollution control norms at all construction sites. Sites that fail to comply with regulations for dust suppression should face heavy penalties and closure, while compliant sites are allowed to operate.
• Promote Sustainable Technology: The government and industry must collaborate to promote the use of advanced, green construction technologies that minimize dust and emissions. This includes pre-cast construction techniques and better waste management practices.
• A Data-Driven, Differentiated Approach: A one-size-fits-all ban across the entire NCR may not be effective. Authorities could use real-time air quality data to implement targeted restrictions only in areas with critically high pollution levels.

The Way Forward: Collaboration Over Confrontation

The annual cycle of pollution and construction bans highlights a critical need for a long-term, sustainable strategy. Blaming one sector alone is not a solution. The way forward lies in collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and environmental agencies. As reported by major news outlets like Hindustan Times, developers are continuously urging for dialogue to find a workable solution.

By adopting a scientific and pragmatic approach that focuses on strict enforcement of on-site norms and allows non-polluting activities, it is possible to mitigate air pollution without bringing a vital economic engine to a grinding halt. Protecting both the environment and the economy is not a zero-sum game; it requires balance, innovation, and a shared commitment to a cleaner, more prosperous future for the NCR.