Delhi mandates thicker green nets at C&D sites

Green nets are installed at construction sites primarily to contain debris, reduce dust pollution, and protect workers and pedestrians from falling materials.

Experts, including IIT Delhi professor Mukesh Khare, said a minimum thickness threshold is necessary due to Delhi's windy summers, and that nets should act as barriers rather than mere coverings.

Officials said there was no threshold on thickness previously and existing nets were ineffective in controlling dust, hence the move to 100 GSM to contain PM at source.

Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government is tackling pollution through policy changes, scientific interventions, technology-backed monitoring and stronger enforcement, and stressed the 100 GSM minimum.

The order has been issued to agencies including MCD, NDMC, DDA, DMRC, CPWD, PWD and other road-owning or construction bodies.

The Delhi government announced that all C&D sites across the city must install green nets with a minimum thickness of 100 GSM and high-intensity dust screens with immediate effect.

Registration of C&D sites on the dust portal has already been made mandatory, forming a digital backbone to improve oversight, compliance tracking and transparency in enforcement.

Officials said Dust Portal 2.0 is envisioned to provide a centralised monitoring and control mechanism for all construction and demolition sites in Delhi.

The article notes that the order follows directions by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which laid down guidelines for dust pollution control and inspection SOPs for C&D projects.

The Delhi government introduced a 14-point dust guideline in 2022, making tarpaulin nets or sheets mandatory at construction sites.