India, Jan. 15 -- Many Indian cities have been grappling with polluted air. When the air quality index (AQI) deteriorates, under the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP), a host of measures come into effect depending on the level of pollution. The higher levels of GRAP include stringent measures, including halting private and public construction in affected areas, given construction activities are a key source of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) pollution across urban India.

While pollution reduction measures are welcome, a blanket ban on construction adversely impacts the economy as well as lives and livelihoods. The construction industry is the second-largest contributor to India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), after agriculture. Indi...