After odd-even, Kejriwal govt to install roadside air purifiers to check pollution

Delhi Transport Minister Satyendra Jain said a mist fountain will also be installed at one major intersection to purify the air

New Delhi, Oct 29: Air purification systems will be installed at five major intersections of the city within two months as a pilot project, the Delhi government said on Friday.

Delhi Transport Minister Satyendra Jain said a mist fountain will also be installed at one major intersection to purify the air.

Earlier projects of the government, such as the odd-even scheme had failed to check pollution in the city.

An impact assessment report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in January had said the much discussed odd-even plan of the Delhi government did not have the desired result.

The reason was as no more than 25% of fine, toxic particles are emitted by cars and trucks in winter, an IIT-K study on the same said.

"We have identified five major intersections in Delhi where air treatment systems will be installed. If the pilot project is successful, it will be expanded to other intersections as well," Jain said.

He added that the system has been designed by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) along with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.

The five locations where the systems will be installed are Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Kashmere Gate, ITO and IIT Delhi/AIIMS.

"It is a modular system and can be installed based on the space available at the intersections. It can even be installed on the central verge of the road," Jain said.

He added that a mist fountain will come up at one location.

"Experts say that it can have a big impact on pollution by arresting the pollutants in the air. Recycled water can be used in this fountain which will be supplied by the Delhi Jal Board," Jain said.

He added that the government has set a target of one-and-a-half to two months for both the pilot projects.

The decision was taken at the third meeting of the inter-ministerial task force set up by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to tackle the issues of air pollution and garbage disposal.

IANS