Every year, as Delhi approaches the winter months, the capital city experiences severe air pollution for a variety of reasons. The stubble burning in adjoining states, vehicular pollution, and the slow wind speeds during these months, increase the air pollution levels.
Shapoorji Pallonji E&C is an ISO 45001, ISO 14001 & ISO 9001 certified organization and has robust internal control mechanisms for the protection of Health, Safety and Environment. We have established processes and practices for minimizing the impact of its construction operations on the environment across all its project sites in India.
The company has also introduced some other additional environmental protection measures to address city-specific challenges. For example, at the Centra Vista Avenue project site in New Delhi, we are implementing multiple steps to control the spread of air pollutants from the construction activities, besides the mandatory Health Safety and Environment measures. Some of these pollution control measures include the following:
Dust / Wind Breaking Wall
The entire 3-km periphery of the Central Vista Avenue Project site is hard-barricaded. This barrier wall controls air currents and prevents erosion by obstructing the wind near the ground and preventing the soil from blowing off-site.
Installation of Anti-Smog Guns
We have installed eight Anti-Smog Guns at vantage positions within the project site to mitigate pollution. The Anti-Smog Guns are connected to dedicated water tankers for refilling the tanks. This set of equipment is being operated by our trained personnel.
Wheel Wash Facility
We have installed an Automatic Wheel Washing Facility at the Exit Gate, and will be providing a few more such facilities in the weeks to come. The wheels of trucks and other vehicles are cleaned before leaving the site, which prevents mud, slurry, and other pollutants from ending up on public roads.
Eco-Friendly Transportation
All vehicles carrying construction materials or excavated earth from the site are covered well to prevent the spread of dust. The trucks are checked at the entry and exit points to ensure strict implementation.
Covered Soil/Sand
Heaps of excavated earth on the site are stacked with coverings of agricultural nets. This is being done to prevent spread of soil particles into the air.
Appropriate Storage of Construction & Demolition Waste
Construction and Demolition waste generated within the site is being recycled to the extent possible for building temporary roads or landfills. Additional waste is being stored temporarily at the site before it is sent to an authorized recycler registered with the Pollution Control Board.
Cutting and Grinding
We are exercising due care to limit dust pollution from stone cutting and grinding at the site. Wetting the stone slabs before cutting and grinding controls dust generation. In addition, we have provided cutting machine enclosures to limit the area of this activity. More than 20 booths have been provided for operating the dry grinding machines. We also using water jet machines for cutting stone.
Water Sprinkling
We have provided four water tankers for periodic sprinkling of water within the site for dust suppression. This has ensured that the dust levels are within limits, despite the heavy vehicular movement within the site.
Use of PPEs
All our construction workers have been provided with dust masks to protect them from the dust. This is an additional measure over and above engineering controls at the site. Use of nose masks is also being monitored through various HSE Inspections, Walks and Audits.
Road Cleaning
We are using mechanical broom attachments to maintain cleanliness of the Janpath area, and are also regularly washing the area during the night shifts to keep it dust-free.
Use of Signage & Posters
We have displayed signage and posters to create environmental awareness amongst our staff and workers.
Ambient Air Quality Monitoring
We are carrying out Ambient Air Monitoring at the CVA project site on a weekly basis through NABL accredited agency. We are also using pocket monitoring meters for daily checks and records. We also collate the records with the nearest DPCC display on Mandir Marg.
The efficacy and adequacy of the above-cited pollution-control measures are being monitored by our dedicated team at the Central Vista Avenue site. We have allocated sufficient manpower and other resources to ensure full compliance to the applicable pollution control norms. These practices are reviewed periodically and improvised based on feedback from various stakeholders.
