While over 20 builders were fined over Rs 2 lakh each, the remaining had to pay penalties ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh, informed the RTI response (a copy of which is with TOI).

According to HSPCB officials, inspections are being conducted on a regular basis. "The developers found to be violating any dust pollution norms stipulated in the Ministry of Environment and Forest guidelines are penalised. Also, we make sure that norms are followed after the inspection," said Jai Bhagwan, Regional Officer, HSPCB. Some activists, however, criticised authorities. "It is unbelievable that only 46 sites have been inspected. It is just an eyewash. The testimony of it is entire NH8 and Golf Course Road, wherein dust pollution is so rampant. Authorities have themselves failed to follow dust pollution norms at the construction sites of underpasses on the national highway," said Aseem Takyar, who filed the RTI.

Some of the norms include putting green barriers and wind-breaker walls around sites, covering of material and waste, using sprinklers to reduce dust emission, and providing masks to labourers. The penalties were imposed in light of the National Green Tribunal's directive to carry out inspections across the NCR. There are more than 1200 construction sites in and around Gurgaon.