Smog Alert! Delhi Construction Halted: Will Your Dream Home Be Delayed? 😲

Air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) has dropped to 'severe' levels, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This includes a ban on nearly all non-essential construction and demolition activities, such as piling, drilling, excavation, and material transport, except for essential infrastructure projects. Stone crushers and mining operations are also halted, alongside restrictions on certain vehicles.

Developers expressed concern, noting that while environmental measures are vital, the blanket ban imposes undue strain. They estimate that a one-month construction halt can lead to a two to three-month project delay, causing increased costs due to idle labor and equipment, and further disruptions in supply chains. Migrant workers are particularly affected, facing loss of daily wages.

Industry representatives suggest that regulated RERA-registered projects, which adhere to strict environmental standards, should be allowed to continue under supervision. They also propose adopting less polluting construction techniques like aluminum shuttering, monolithic construction, and allowing activities like painting, which have minimal pollution impact. Homebuyers are worried about further delays in their project possessions, especially in projects already running behind schedule.

Impact This news has a significant impact on the Indian real estate sector, affecting project timelines, construction costs, and buyer sentiment. The delays can also impact related industries such as cement, steel, and logistics. Rating: 7/10.

Difficult Terms: GRAP: Graded Response Action Plan, a set of emergency measures taken to control air pollution in Delhi and its surrounding areas. CAQM: Commission for Air Quality Management, a statutory body responsible for managing air quality in the National Capital Region. AQI: Air Quality Index, a measure used to report how polluted the air is on a given day. LMVs: Light Motor Vehicles, typically refers to four-wheeled vehicles like cars and small trucks. RERA: Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, an act to regulate the real estate sector and ensure transparency and timely delivery of projects. C&D waste: Construction and Demolition waste, includes debris and materials generated from building and infrastructure projects.