Parliament Question: Air pollution and environmental safeguards at Central Vista construction sites

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4004 ANSWERED ON 30/03/2026 AIR POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS AT CENTRAL VISTA CONSTRUCTION SITES

4004. SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE:

Will the Minister of HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) the current status of the remaining construction work under the Central Vista redevelopment project, including timelines for completion;

(b) whether Government is aware of reports of inadequate use of pollution mitigation measures such as dust suppression nets, water sprinklers, or covered transport of debris in and around the Central Vista area;

(c) the measures taken to ensure regular cleaning of roads and removal of construction material that contributes to air pollution in the vicinity; and

(d) whether any environmental audits have been conducted during the ongoing phase of construction, and if so, the key findings and actions taken? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS (SHRI TOKHAN SAHU)

(a) : The current status of the remaining construction work under the Central Vista

redevelopment project is as under:

I. Construction of CCS 6&7 – March 2027 II. Construction of CCS 8&9 – December 2027 III. Construction of CCS 10 – September 2026 IV. Construction of CCS 4&5 – April 2028 V. Comprehensive conservation, Retrofitting of North Block building (Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum) – August 2027 VI. Comprehensive conservation, Retrofitting of South Block building (Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum) – March 2028

(b): Adequate pollution mitigation measures such as dust suppression nets, water sprinklers, covering of construction debris, covered material transportation, disposal of debris/C&D waste to designated processing plant are being taken in all Central Vista Redevelopment Projects.

Besides above, 12-meter-high dust screen barricading has been provided in all the projects. …2/--2-

(c): Roads in vicinity are regularly being cleaned and sprinkled with water and construction debris is being removed regularly in adequately covered trucks. Disposal of all Construction & Demolition Waste generated from construction site to approved C&D Waste Recycle Plant is being done.

(d): Member of CAQM and DPCC regularly visit the site to ensure the compliance of pollution mitigation measures. Following measures were taken for dust mitigation:

I. Green net cover has been provided.

II. Footpath loose soil was fortified.

III. Water sprinkling on roads adjoining construction site was done.

IV. Anti-smog guns installed at construction site. *****