Firms told to cover construction areas to prevent pollution:

West Bengal Environment minister Suvendu Adhikary Wednesday said construction firms and agencies have been asked to cover construction areas to prevent dust particles from spreading in the air in the city and surrounding areas.

The dust generated during construction of buildings was the principal reason for particualate matter hanging on air during November to March, he said.

Adhikary told a press meet that only three parameters of environment - PM 10 (particulate matter), PM 2.5 (particulate matter) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) - remained non-compliant while nine other parameters were compliant in the city and surrounding areas.

The nine compliant parameters included SO2, Ozone, CO, Ammonia, Benzene, Lead, Arsenic and Nickel, he said.

The minister said a three-pronged action plan has been launched to address the issue.

As the first step the department, in collaboration with West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB), would monitor the construction activity of buildings .