Bhubaneswar, January 6: In a bid to combat deteriorating air quality in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the Odisha government has banned all construction activities in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack from 6 pm to 10 am to control air pollution. The ban is effective immediately and includes both government and private projects.
Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia said that the ban would be enforced in response to the worsening air quality. He also mentioned that both the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the State Works Department have been notified about the new measures.
In addition to the ban, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) have ramped up efforts to curb air pollution. Builders have been instructed to properly cover construction materials during transportation and to frequently sprinkle water at the construction sites to mitigate dust. To further reduce dust emissions, temporary roads or paver blocks are being recommended for use at construction sites.
BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana emphasized that strict action would be taken against violators, including suspension of their building plans.
The decision to impose the restrictions comes after the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack fell into the "very poor" category. Similar measures had previously been introduced in Talcher, Angul district, and Balasore to tackle air pollution.
