Builders move Supreme Court seeking exemption for affordable housing sector from ban on construction activities in Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 5 (FN Agency) Developers and builders forum has moved Supreme Court seeking exemption for affordable housing sector from the ban on construction activities in Delhi to check air pollution in the national capital region (NCR). In its petition, the forum has said that the contribution of housing sector in air pollution in the NCR is negligible. To support its claim, the builders have cited a study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment which says that the contribution of construction activities in air pollution in Delhi is only 6 to 8 percent. The study further said that vehicles, industrial units and stubble burning in neighbouring states are primarily responsible for alarming level of pollution in Delhi.

The petitioner contended said that the 3-judge bench of the apex court imposed a blanket ban on all construction activities without listening to all stake holders. The forum said that the ban on all construction activities has come as a setback for those engaged in real estate sector which is already suffering due to Corona induced lockdown during the past 2 years. It said the ban has hit very hard those working with real estate sector. Even though, Delhi government has announced some compensation for labourers, a large number of people engaged in construction activities like managers, supervisors etc have been left high and dry. A 3-judge bench of the apex court headed by chief justice NV Ramana had on November 24 ordered resumption of ban on construction activities in Delhi to check air pollution.