Construction Activities Halted in Delhi-NCR
In response to rising pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, the government has enforced Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This includes a ban on construction activities and restrictions on vehicular movement. While the step aims to control pollution, it has raised serious concerns within the real estate industry. The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) has shared its perspective and offered recommendations to tackle the issue effectively.

As one of the largest employers of unskilled labor, the real estate sector faces significant challenges with these restrictions. Thousands of workers’ livelihoods are at stake, and ongoing projects are at risk of delays, impacting delivery timelines and budgets.

CREDAI’s Suggestion: Exempt RERA-Compliant Projects
Manoj Gaur, President of CREDAI NCR and CMD of Gaur Group, emphasized the importance of balancing pollution control measures with the needs of the real estate industry. He stated:

Controlling pollution is essential, but halting all construction activities is not the right solution. It directly affects workers’ livelihoods and delays projects, especially those adhering to RERA’s stringent timelines. We urge the government to exempt RERA-approved projects under GRAP so that development continues without disrupting economic stability.

Gaur highlighted that delays caused by construction bans disrupt project budgets and timelines, leading to penalties under RERA guidelines. Thousands of homebuyers are already waiting for their homes, and such restrictions could further delay their possession.

Developers’ Role: Steps to Minimize Pollution
Amit Modi, Director of County Group, supported GRAP’s implementation but suggested a pragmatic approach for the real estate sector:

It’s crucial to reduce pollution in Delhi-NCR, and the construction sector must play its part. Developers should prioritize non-polluting activities at sites, such as interior work, pipe fittings, flooring, aluminum and glass installations, wiring, sanitary fittings, and landscaping. This ensures timely project completion while minimizing environmental harm.

Modi stressed that developers must adopt eco-friendly practices to contribute to pollution control during this challenging period.

Balancing Environment and Development: Harsh Gupta’s Recommendations
Harsh Gupta, CEO of Sundream Group, proposed strategies to strike a balance between environmental concerns and development. He stated:

Instead of a blanket ban on construction activities, pollution-intensive tasks like material transportation and mixing should be suspended. However, interior work, painting, and fittings can continue, ensuring that projects stay on track and workers’ livelihoods remain intact.

Technology-Driven Solutions: Ansal Housing’s Approach
Kushagra Ansal, Director of Ansal Housing, emphasized the need for modern technology to address pollution concerns. He said:

Pre-cast construction techniques and dust control equipment should be adopted. These methods not only mitigate environmental impact but also ensure timely completion of projects. We also recommend the government introduce specific guidelines for RERA-approved projects to maintain a balance between environmental conservation and the real estate sector’s growth.

A Call for Practical Solutions
The real estate industry acknowledges the urgency of addressing pollution in Delhi-NCR. However, a balanced approach is essential to avoid disruption in development activities and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of workers.

Exempting RERA-compliant projects from construction bans, adopting environmentally friendly technologies, and implementing targeted restrictions are practical solutions that can ensure progress while maintaining environmental harmony. Collaboration between the government and developers is key to achieving these objectives and addressing the dual challenges of pollution control and economic stability.