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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) withdrew the third stage of its Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which was imposed to decrease worrying levels of air pollution, and building activity in Delhi-NCR restarted after a 26-day break.
On November 2, GRAP-III went into effect, restricting building and demolition operations in Delhi and the greater National Capital Region. Real estate developers applauded the action and asked that the industry be exempted from similar regulations going forward.
They pointed out that prohibiting construction activities increases project costs and delays handover to buyers by up to three months for every 30 days of stoppage. It also raises the possibility of job losses because the majority of construction workers are unorganized and typically earn a daily wage.
CAQM Lifts GRAP-III Restrictions: Construction Resumes Amid Improved Air Quality
The air quality index, or AQI, dropped from levels of 395 on November 27 to 312 on November 28 (both levels falling into the “very poor” category), which is approximately 83 AQI points below the threshold for invoking GRAP Stage III actions, according to the order issued by CAQM to revoke Stage III of GRAP. When the AQI surpasses 400 and enters the “severe” category, GRAP III is triggered.
In an order published on November 28, the CAQM stated, “The subcommittee, accordingly, decides to revoke the order issued on November 2 for actions under stage-III of GRAP with immediate effect.”
Except for necessary projects or those of national significance, such national highways and railroads, Stage III’s regulations prohibit mining, stone crushing, building, and demolition operations.
Impact on Real Estate: GRAP-III Reversal for Delhi-NCR Region
After an imposed pause, developers announced that construction activity in the area has restarted. They emphasized that this will assist fulfil deadlines and benefit homeowners. However, they also mentioned that it will be a few more days before building activities get back up.
According to Manoj Gaur, CMD of Gaurs Group and head of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI)-National, the builders’ association applauded the lifting of GRAP III limitations in the Delhi-NCR.
The president of CREDAI NCR, Gaur, told that, “We request the CAQM and the policymakers to exempt real estate from GRAP restrictions in the future as stopping construction activities escalates the project cost for the developers, causes a delay in possession and increases the cost of servicing loans for the homebuyers.”
Air Quality Improvement Spurs Construction Restart: A Win For Homebuyers
He continued by saying that CREDAI-NCR has already recommended all of its member developers to take proactive steps to reduce pollution, including as installing anti-smog guns, covering construction materials, and regularly misting water.
The National Real Estate Development Council’s (NAREDCO) national president, G Hari Babu, expressed hope for the industry following the CAQM’s decision to eliminate GRAP-III limitations and the start of building activity in Delhi-NCR.
It is expected that increased building activity would help the economy as a whole and satisfy project deadlines, which will benefit homebuyers. Despite the initial setback brought on by the interruption, a steady recovery is anticipated, and balancing expansion with environmental responsibility is emphasized, according to Babu.
Source-ET
