Mechanized road sweeping, watering and increased presence of officials to check polluting activities have intensified in Gurugram, with Phase 2 of the Phased Response Action Plan (Grap) being implemented since Tuesday morning.

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) is seeking to reduce dust accumulation on roads mainly through mechanized sweeping as manual sweeping causes resuspension of dust particles due to movement of vehicles, officials said.

Elaborating on the implementation of curbs on the orders of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), MCG Commissioner Narhari Singh Bangar said, “By keeping the roads clean, we are tackling the one of the main sources of particles, which deteriorate air quality. »

Gurugram recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 223 (“poor”) on Tuesday, according to the daily bulletin of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

According to an internal MCG assessment, Gurugram recorded a reduction in suspended particulate matter (SPM), with up to 15% reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 levels in some areas. In addition to road cleaning, MCG deployed water trucks and smog guns to spray treated water along heavily trafficked roads and trees.

Officials said these measures help settle dust and clean trees, which play a crucial role in absorbing pollutants. Treated water also prevents particles from being resuspended in polluted areas. “We are ensuring that anti-smog weapons are used effectively in areas with high levels of pollution,” Bangar said.

To ensure compliance with the Grap, MCG teams are also actively monitoring the district for violations of open burning of waste and improper transportation of construction materials, officials said.

Bangar reiterated that open burning, such as burning dry leaves or waste, is strictly prohibited as it contributes significantly to air pollution. “Violators will face serious consequences, including fines and legal action,” he said.

Fines for non-compliance with Grap regulations range from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the severity of the violation, as per the MCG guidelines. In case of repeated violations or violations such as open burning of waste, FIRs will be lodged against the violators, which may lead to legal action. The most serious violations could even result in the temporary closure of construction sites or commercial establishments that fail to comply with prescribed pollution control measures, officials said.

According to the authorities, the transportation and storage of construction materials are also subject to strict control. Trucks transporting materials without adequate cover, as well as uncovered construction debris, are now prohibited. MCG enforcement teams are closely monitoring these activities and violators will be punished. Additionally, the use of wood or coal in tandoors of commercial restaurants has been banned, with businesses encouraged to use LPG as a cleaner alternative, MCG officials added.

As part of the strict measures described in the Grap, several polluting activities have been explicitly prohibited. It is now strictly prohibited to burn waste, such as dry leaves, rubbish or any other rubbish. Open burning contributes significantly to air pollution, releasing toxic fumes and harmful particles into the atmosphere. Authorities have made it clear that people engaging in such activities will face serious consequences.