The ban on construction activities in Delhi NCR region has been reimposed once again by the Supreme Court on Wednesday in view of heavy air pollution in Delhi.
Last week, the centre had introduced the ban on construction activities on November 22. However, the ban was lifted in view of improved air quality in Delhi.
On Wednesday during the hearing of the air pollution case in the Supreme Court, the CJI again extended the ban on construction activities that will remain in force till further orders.
According to a report in moneycontrol, the bench consisting of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant has been tasked to take care of the interest of construction workers and labourers after the ban.
Earlier, an association of construction workers had petitioned the court seeking resumption of construction activities to help labourers earn livelihood.
The court also suggested to the government to pay construction workers from “thousands of crores” of labour cess collected by the government. The suggestion also finds mention in the detailed order passed by the government.
“The States shall use the funds which have been collected as labour cess for the welfare of construction workers to provide them subsistence for the period during which construction activities are prohibited and pay wages notified under the Minimum Wages Act for the respective categories of workers,” the report quoted from apex court’s order as saying.
However, the court has permitted non-polluting construction-related activities such as plumbing, carpentry. During the hearing, the Supreme Court observed that it will continue to monitor the air pollution situation in Delhi NCR.
