<p>The new construction and waste management rules announced recently by the Union Environment Ministry are detailed and comprehensive, and can help deal with the civic, transport, health and environmental problems resulting from construction work. Growing urbanisation involves more construction activities at a faster pace, and most parts of the country are witnessing more and more construction. Economic development results in a boom of private residential, public and corporate buildings. While this boom in its turn also boosts development, the harmful collateral impact of construction activities have only recently been taken note of. Construction of a building in a locality often results in great inconvenience for those who live in the vicinity. Debris and waste are often thrown around blocking footpaths and obstructing traffic on the roads close to the site. The dust generated at the sites is a major health hazard for workers, passersby and others who live in the neighbourhood. Demolition of buildings also creates the same kind of problems.<br /><br />The building debris is usually taken and dumped indiscriminately anywhere. But the new rules prescribe that they be disposed of in designated places allotted by the governments and recycled into other building materials. The builder has to submit a waste management plan if the building plan is to be approved, and has to bear the cost of disposal. Failure to abide by the disposal rules can lead to cancellation of the building’s approval. The recycling plants have to be set up within a specified period near cities and towns. Construction sites have to be covered and barricaded to prevent dust from spreading. Dust flow has also to be checked by specified means. About 20% of environmental pollution in urban areas is estimated to be caused by construction waste and dust. The country generates about 530 million tonnes of construction waste most of which is thrown away or dumped haphazardly. Basically, the rules are intended to stop the present practice of making the society and the public bear the burden of construction and to make the builder responsible for his work.<br /><br />The construction sector is known for malpractices and flouting of rules and laws. The Real Estate Bill passed recently by parliament is expected to regulate the working of the sector and improve its practices. The latest set of rules will hopefully help to literally clean up the sector and make sure that it does not pollute the environment and harm the health of the people. The rules should be given wide publicity and it must be ensured that they are implemented.</p>
<p>The new construction and waste management rules announced recently by the Union Environment Ministry are detailed and comprehensive, and can help deal with the civic, transport, health and environmental problems resulting from construction work. Growing urbanisation involves more construction activities at a faster pace, and most parts of the country are witnessing more and more construction. Economic development results in a boom of private residential, public and corporate buildings. While this boom in its turn also boosts development, the harmful collateral impact of construction activities have only recently been taken note of. Construction of a building in a locality often results in great inconvenience for those who live in the vicinity. Debris and waste are often thrown around blocking footpaths and obstructing traffic on the roads close to the site. The dust generated at the sites is a major health hazard for workers, passersby and others who live in the neighbourhood. Demolition of buildings also creates the same kind of problems.<br /><br />The building debris is usually taken and dumped indiscriminately anywhere. But the new rules prescribe that they be disposed of in designated places allotted by the governments and recycled into other building materials. The builder has to submit a waste management plan if the building plan is to be approved, and has to bear the cost of disposal. Failure to abide by the disposal rules can lead to cancellation of the building’s approval. The recycling plants have to be set up within a specified period near cities and towns. Construction sites have to be covered and barricaded to prevent dust from spreading. Dust flow has also to be checked by specified means. About 20% of environmental pollution in urban areas is estimated to be caused by construction waste and dust. The country generates about 530 million tonnes of construction waste most of which is thrown away or dumped haphazardly. Basically, the rules are intended to stop the present practice of making the society and the public bear the burden of construction and to make the builder responsible for his work.<br /><br />The construction sector is known for malpractices and flouting of rules and laws. The Real Estate Bill passed recently by parliament is expected to regulate the working of the sector and improve its practices. The latest set of rules will hopefully help to literally clean up the sector and make sure that it does not pollute the environment and harm the health of the people. The rules should be given wide publicity and it must be ensured that they are implemented.</p>
