In an effort to tackle rising air pollution across the state, the Odisha government is considering extending restrictions on construction activities in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The proposed ban would halt work from 6:00 pm to 10:00 am and could remain in effect until June, according to Ganesh Ram Khuntia, Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change.
State Minister Ganesh Ram Khuntia said, “We are taking precautions. The government is monitoring. This is the working season. All big works are there. This step has been taken to curb the local temporary disturbance. We have issued an advisory. The restrictions will continue till June. Once it rains, we will lift the ban after inspecting the AQI.”
The Environment Minister further clarified that the state is maintaining a vigilant watch over the air quality index (AQI) of the twin cities. He warned that if the AQI fails to show significant improvement, the restrictive measures may be extended further into the summer to safeguard public health.
According to Minister Khuntia, the air quality in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack has been consistently remained poor for more than a month. Alarmingly, during the final five days of December, the AQI plummeted into the ‘very poor’ category on two separate occasions, triggering urgent environmental and health warnings.
As an immediate response to these hazardous levels, the government has implemented a week-long suspension of construction work during the overnight hours.
By stopping activity between 6:00 pm and 10:00 am, authorities aim to significantly lower dust emissions and particulate matter that typically accumulate during the cooler night and early morning periods.
These restrictions are being applied systematically to control pollution sources while balancing public convenience. The state plans to conduct periodic reviews, with future policy adjustments strictly dictated by observed AQI trends and overall environmental stability, the minister added.
