GURUGRAM: Mewat, Faridabad and Jhajjar — the three neighbouring districts of Gurgaon — have imposed strict curbs on polluting industrial units and slapped a complete ban on construction activities, in a move that may help improve, at least to some extent, ambient air quality in the NCR that is still gasping for a breath of clean air.With the PM2.5 levels still hovering in the "severe zone" in Gurgaon and its surrounding areas, Mewat administration has directed all the 95 brick kilns in the district to remain shut till further orders.Besides, officials have asked to remain vigilant to prevent any kind of waste and crop burning across the district."The administration will take strict action if anyone found violating the orders," said deputy commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma.In Faridabad district, the authorities have prohibited all kinds of realty and civil works, in view of the NGT order banning all construction activities across the NCR. Officials said the ban had been imposed even in the district's far-flung areas which do not fall under the national capital region (NCR).Only interior work, which does not cause any dust, is permitted.It has also shut down all industrial units which emit pollutants till further orders. Also, officials have been asked to carry out inspections across the district to check if any construction material, particularly cement, sand and bajari, is lying in the open without any cover."We have also prohibited any kind of digging, even for road and highway projects. Water is being sprinkled in areas where PM10 level is found to be more over 700 micrograms per cubic metre," said Atul Dwivedi , deputy commissioner, Faridabad.In Jhajjar, the authorities are working on an action plan to ensure that no dust or waste is accumulation on roads or footpaths.A penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh can be imposed on a contractor or agency for mismanagement of construction materials, causing pollution. Also, a fine of Rs 50,000 per day will be imposed for inadequate road dust control.Besides, officials have been asked to encourage public transportation to reduce use of private vehicles and the roadways department has been asked to increase the number of buses on roads."We are encouraging people to use deluxe and air-conditioned buses which are comfortable. Besides, all departments, including the police, have to submit their analysis reports by Monday," said Sushil Sarwan, additional deputy commissioner, Jhajjar.In Gurgaon, the district administration is expected to take some more measures on Sunday. The authorities concerned have already banned all kind of construction and ordered closure of all polluting industries till November 14, in line with the NGT directives.Sources said the officials would keep tabs on the pollution levels and monitor compliance of the preventive measures for 48 hours, before imposing any further curbs.

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