GRAP Curbs Eased as MCD Resumes Stalled Development Projects.

Following the relaxation of stringent anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has resumed several stalled construction projects, including the development of multi-level car parking facilities in Greater Kailash I and Punjabi Bagh, the restoration of Kamla Market, and the revamp of Ambedkar Stadium. The MCD will also soon begin the second phase of biomining at the Okhla landfill.

An MCD official confirmed on Saturday that the deadline for the renovation of Kamla Market’s facade, located near New Delhi Railway Station, has been extended to the end of March next year. The civic body had approved the restoration of the 73-year-old clock tower at the market in March.

The second phase of work, which includes plaster repairs, standardization of shop frontages, and the construction of new toilet blocks, began in October. However, the imposition of GRAP stages III and IV caused a temporary halt, with only the clock tower and market entrance fully repaired and painted. "We resumed work on pending tasks on Friday," said the official.

Remaining tasks include repairing the front facade of all market and outside shops, repainting with a uniform color, and reconstructing the toilet blocks, including a new women’s facility.

At Ambedkar Stadium, the MCD has completed 70% of the redevelopment work. The ₹5.6 crore project aims to give the stadium a significant facelift. According to an MCD official, work on the changing areas, cafeteria, and toilet blocks has been completed. Future improvements will include upgrades to the cafeteria, green rooms, the stadium facade, toilet facilities, and the stands, as well as the addition of a media center. "After the lifting of GRAP restrictions, we carried out a site survey and issued instructions to resume work on the stadium facade. We expect to complete the project on schedule," the official added.

The multi-level car parking facilities at Punjabi Bagh and Greater Kailash I (GKI) are also set to resume. The GKI facility, which has faced delays due to restrictions on construction and pending tree-cutting approvals, is 75% complete. The ₹63.7 crore project is expected to accommodate 399 vehicles and could open by 2025. "Work was delayed, but we will now proceed with the remaining tasks," said the official.

The Punjabi Bagh parking facility is 95% complete, with only finishing touches left. It will provide parking for at least 225 vehicles. "Most of the parking services have been commissioned, and we will now focus on the remaining work," the official concluded.

ET