Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, effective from November 18, has resulted in a temporary halt to construction activities across the region, aimed at combating severe air pollution. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued this directive due to deteriorating air quality, worsened by factors like stubble burning in neighbouring states.
Despite the immediate disruption, real estate experts assert that the sector is well-prepared for this seasonal measure, which has already been factored into developers’ contingency plans. The GRAP 4 guidelines, which prohibit construction and demolition activities, affect both residential and infrastructure projects, including roads, highways, and power transmission lines. Developers remain unfazed, acknowledging that this seasonal interruption is part of the industry’s annual cycle. “This is a temporary phase, and the developer community is prepared to meet the challenges. We have incorporated this phase into our contingency plans,” said Pradeep Kumar Aggarwal, Founder of Signatureglobal (India) Limited. He added, “I don’t foresee a major impact, and we expect this situation to resolve within a month.”
Minimal Long-Term Impact on Market While the construction halt may disrupt the workforce and delay some projects, experts suggest that its long-term impact on the real estate market will be minimal. Pankaj Kapoor, Managing Director of Liases Foras, noted that Delhi-NCR accounts for only 20% of the country’s real estate supply, much smaller than markets like the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Furthermore, pollution spikes during winter are a seasonal issue, not a year-round phenomenon, meaning the market is adaptable.
Sustaining Development Amidst Pollution Developers have been urged to focus on non-polluting activities, such as interior work and landscaping, to ensure projects progress without worsening environmental conditions. Despite the temporary setback, industry experts remain optimistic, predicting minimal long-term impact as air quality improves post-winter.
