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Developers, industry bodies, contractors and large project owners agree that public health must come first. But they argue for a more nuanced, data-driven and site-specific approach, pointing to the broader social and economic impacts of blanket construction restrictions.
Livelihood at the center of the storm
Vijay Harsh Jha, Founder and CEO, VS Realtors, reflects on the immediate humanitarian impact of GRAP-III.
He says, “Pollution control measures are absolutely necessary to protect public health, but we must also recognize that the livelihoods of millions of workers depend on construction activities.” “The construction ban not only halts real estate projects but also leaves thousands of daily wage laborers without income or security.”
According to him, frequent shutdowns during monsoon and pollution season disrupt the delivery cycle, increase costs and create anxiety among home buyers. “We need a more balanced and sustainable approach – one that simultaneously protects health, livelihoods and project timelines,” he added.
Expressing this concern, NAREDCO President Parveen Jain warned that the indiscriminate stoppage “will have immediate economic consequences,” especially for unskilled workers dependent on daily wages. He said construction is a major driver of economic momentum and employment.
He advocates allowing RERA-registered, low-dust sites to continue operating under strict monitoring. Arguing for a fairness-based, site-specific regulatory model, he says, “Every site already has real-time pollution sensors that transmit data to the CPCB. Sites that consistently record levels below the GRAP-III limit should be allowed to operate.”
Developers support GRAP, stressing need for balance
Despite operational disruptions, most developers insist that the intent of GRAP-III remains important.
Pradeep Agarwal, founder and chairman of Signature Global (India) Ltd., says the company “fully supports” the government’s decision. “Although temporary restrictions may lead to short-term adjustments, such measures are important to ensure environmental sustainability,” he says. Signature Global has deployed advanced dust-mitigation systems at its sites to cover raw materials and on-site greenery.
Ashok Kapoor, chairman of Krishna Group and Crisumi Corporation, says they follow the GRAP norms “in letter and spirit”. But he points out that studies show construction is not the top polluter. “A blanket ban disrupts timelines, impacts homebuyers and impacts the most vulnerable – the labor workforce. A more balanced, sustainable solution to this recurring challenge is urgently needed.”
Nimbus Realty CEO Sahil Agarwal also calls Stage 3 a “necessary intervention” but underlines the “immediate impact on timelines and productivity.” He says the industry must respond now with better sequencing, modular construction and early-stage planning to minimize disruptions. “Quality and compliance must go hand in hand,” he added.
Sustainability is taking center stage as the industry evolves
A notable change is being echoed across the industry: GRAP-III, despite its disruptions, has accelerated the transition to clean manufacturing in the region.
“GRAP reinforces what the market was already gravitating towards – clean sites, green materials, sustainable technology and a healthy environment,” says Vaibhav Kumar Shivhare, senior VP (projects and contracts), Experian Developers.
They have listed fly-ash brickwork, crushed sand, waste water recycling, efficient HVAC systems, low-VOC paints, performance glass and IGBC/GRIHA-certified projects as the new criteria. Tools like BIM, AI-assisted design, off-site fabrication and lean construction have helped maintain efficiency even under restrictions.
He predicts, “By 2030, green will drive and define the leadership of the real estate industry.”
Manoj Gaur, CMD, Gaurs Group, agrees that GRAP has pushed the industry towards “smarter, cleaner and more accountable manufacturing practices”. Dust-mitigation systems, anti-smog guns, cleaner equipment and site management protocols that were once add-ons are now standard on all projects. “These measures allow us to maintain construction quality while maintaining environmental responsibility,” he says.
Technology-driven customization becomes industry strategy
The emphasis on technology adoption is also becoming more evident as developers look for new ways to keep projects on track while meeting environmental criteria.
Robin Mangala, President, M3M India, says GRAP-III is “an important reminder of our collective responsibility towards clean air and sustainable urban development.” He says developers are increasingly turning to dust-control systems, green cover planning and clean practices. “Such regulations encourage more responsible development and push the industry toward technology-driven solutions,” he says.
Sanjay Dutt, MD and CEO, Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd, sees GRAP-III as both a challenge and an opportunity. “These measures are necessary to protect public health. The way forward lies in active adaptation.”
He highlighted how leading developers are deploying real-time air quality monitoring, advanced dust suppression systems and clean construction practices. “Regulations are being seen as catalysts for innovation rather than barriers,” he says.
Call for flexibility and practical support
Supporting the intention, developers are unanimous in demanding supportive mechanisms to ensure that environmental compliance does not lead to project crisis.
Kushagra Ansal, director of Ansal Housing, says the temporary stoppage “impacts timelines, labor deployment and material movement”, but also encourages clean construction. He emphasizes on coordinated steps between authorities and industry to balance environment with delivery requirements.
Ashish Bhutani, CEO of Bhutani Group, says that although environmental responsibility is paramount, “the industry also needs practical flexibility to meet deadlines.” Supportive steps by regulators like RERA – especially “reasonable extensions” – will help developers remain compliant without jeopardizing delivery schedules.
A turning point for construction in NCR
The implementation of GRAP-III has once again highlighted Delhi-NCR’s struggle to balance two complex priorities—public health and economic activity.
But this year, the industry’s response also reflects a profound shift: sustainability is no longer just compliance; This is becoming a competitive and operational imperative.
Whether regulators adopt site-specific norms or continue with blanket bans, the real estate sector appears to be repositioning itself for a future defined by greener, smarter and more responsible construction.
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