Five traffic intersections to get air purifiers immediately: Sisodia

NEW DELHI: After the air quality of Wednesday dipped to ‘severe’, the Delhi government planned to go ahead with its plan to install outdoor air purifiers, with deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia directing its “immediate” installation in five major traffic intersections.

The order was issued following a meeting which was also attended by Environment minister Imran Hussain and officials from PWD, environment departments and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). The air purifiers will be installed at five major traffic intersections — Anand Vihar, ITO, Sarai Kalen Khan, Kashmere Gate and IIT (Delhi) or AIIMS.

The government is sticking to the plan despite its feasibility being questioned by the PWD department. Green experts are also not too enthused by the proposal, which many have termed a “red-herring”.

The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute will implement the project with an Iit-bombay team. The government had on October 28 announced that it is to be implemented within 45 days. The government said outdoor air purifying units (induced-draft air treatment systems) has the potential to reduce carbon monoxide and particulate emission by 40 per cent to 60 per cent in the 20-30 metre radius during peak traffic hours.

Sisodia also ordered the DPCC to study the feasibility of using cow dung, sewage sludge, alum sludge for its possible use in making pellet fuel (used as home heaters), tiles, bricks or other items.

DPCC will also prepare a roadmap for air pollution control system for green crematorium, a passive venting system for dumpsites, policy document for brick kilns and a clean tandoor community kitchen system.