Dust control norms tightened in Delhi, 100 GSM nets now mandatory at C&D sites

The Delhi government has mandated the use of high-density dust screens at construction and demolition (C&D) sites across the national capital to ensure dust mitigation.

As per the directions issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the minimum thickness for green nets used at C&D sites is fixed at 100 GSM. All project proponents must comply with the specification with immediate effect.

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Environment Minister Manjinder Sirsa said this decision was taken in view of the substantial contribution of construction and demolition activities to dust pollution.
The order follows directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which laid down guidelines for dust pollution control and inspection Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the C&D projects.

According to Sirsa, “Delhi’s fight against air pollution is being pursued with urgency, seriousness and a whole-of-government approach. We are working on all fronts—policy changes, scientific interventions, technology-backed monitoring, and stronger enforcement—to create a robust protective shield against air pollution in Delhi.”

The new specification addresses a critical compliance gap. While previous directions required using tarpaulin or green nets around under-construction buildings and over stored construction and demolition material, no minimum technical specification had been prescribed for the green net itself until now.

By setting 100 GSM as the minimum standard, the Delhi government has moved to ensure that dust barriers genuinely contain particulate matter at the source, not merely symbolic.
The minister said, “High-density dust screens are essential for effective dust containment. By prescribing a minimum 100 GSM standard, the government is ensuring that dust mitigation at construction sites is practical, measurable and enforceable.”

Registration of C&D sites on the dust portal is already mandatory, and this digital backbone is expected to significantly improve oversight, compliance tracking, and transparency in enforcement.
The DPCC order has been issued to major civic, infrastructure, and construction-linked agencies including MCD, NDMC, DDA, DMRC, CPWD, PWD and others for immediate implementation of the step.