Govt seeks Rs 1,000 cr from Centre to tackle city’s AQI
The Delhi Government has requested Rs 1,000 crore in funding from the Central Government to deploy advanced technology and implement targeted measures to bring down the Capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI).
The announcement was made by Minister Parvesh Verma during an inspection of Nehru Park here on Sunday.
Singh, who was accompanied by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, reviewed the ongoing pilot project that aims to install air purifiers at popular public spaces.
“Since we have formed the government, our Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and his team have taken concrete steps to reduce pollution and improve the AQI in Delhi. We will identify key pollution hotspots across the city and deploy the best available technology. For this, we have requested Rs 1,000 crore from the Central Government,” Verma said.
Highlighting the pilot project, Environment Minister Sirsa said that a dedicated study is underway in Nehru Park — a popular destination for morning walkers and families — to assess whether localised air purifiers can significantly reduce pollution in concentrated areas.
“AQI is a big challenge in Delhi. This park is frequented by hundreds of people every day for walking and exercise. Through this pilot, we are studying if it’s possible to lower the AQI levels at a local level by installing air purifiers here,” Sirsa said.
Each air purifier to be installed under this initiative will cover an area of 600 square meters and will operate 24/7 with minimal maintenance. The unique filtration system is designed to capture and store harmful pollutants, providing a cleaner environment for residents.
Interestingly, the project will not put a direct burden on the government’s finances. Instead, installation and operation of air purifiers will be funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships with private companies.
Latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicates that Delhi’s air quality remains moderate in several parts of the city. On Sunday, the CO PM 10 pollutant index recorded an AQI of 97 for the city — categorised as ‘satisfactory’. AQI levels in specific areas were slightly lower, with Alipur at 77, Anand Vihar 84, Ashok Vihar 91 and Aya Nagar at 61.
Delhi