GRAO

The construction sector was facing a serious slowdown during the last two years and with the various government reforms, the activity was expected to rejuvenate significantly

Implementation of actions under stage III of the revised graded response action plan of CAQM in Delhi-NCR has brought construction activities to a standstill and impacted the ease of doing business and ease of living, said the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in a press statement issued on Wednesday.

The construction sector was facing a serious slowdown during the last two years and with the various government reforms, the activity was expected to rejuvenate significantly. However, the stringent notification has impacted the construction sector activity once again, said the industry body.

The micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector industrial units and all industries operating in authorised industrial areas to the construction sector have been severely impacted by the implementation of revised GRAP. 

The closure of industrial units by not allowing standby power can be a death blow for many, said the Chamber.

It added that this has severely impacted the skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers in construction activities, who are sitting at home.

The air quality in Delhi continued to remain in the ‘very poor’ category despite stopping of construction activities for 3 days as the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of the city stood at 382. 

Noida, which is part of the national capital region, recorded an AQI of 406 and slipped from the ‘very poor’ to the ‘severe’ category.

CAQM has not taken into consideration studies undertaken by highly technical organisations and suggestions provided by the industry for the root cause of AQI going beyond the limits.

PHD Chamber emphasised that stubble burning from the last week of September to November has affected the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital and NCR and the government should look for alternate means to resolve this issue to avoid any hindrances to businesses. 

The PHD Chamber had sought the government, through representations, to review the clause allowing use of DG sets operations for 2 hours per day to 60 hours per month or 15 hours per week where PNG is available, and to extend the period for implementation. 

“Relaxations are required under the new GRAP until there is certainty of steady supply of electricity in industrial areas, which will lessen the requirement for DG sets,” the statement read.