Delhi air pollution: SC directs CP smog tower to be 'operationalised', summons DPCC chief

Recently the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) suggested that the smog tower be shut down as it was found to be “largely ineffective in tackling air pollution”

The Supreme Court, on November 7, directed the smog tower installed at Connaught Place in New Delhi to be 'operationalised'.

The apex court also summoned the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) chairperson to court over the smog tower issue.

It should be noted that India’s first smog tower in Delhi’s Connaught Place had been standing defunct while the air quality in most areas of the national capital reeled under the "severe" category on November 3.

The tower, which cost around Rs 20 crore to be commissioned, is aimed at purifying air within a 1 km radius around the structure. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated this tower in August 2021.

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The DPCC had, however, recently suggested that the smog tower be shut down as it was found to be "largely ineffective in tackling air pollution". It also noted the site should be used as an environmental and climate change innovation centre.

As per the latest Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the national capital found no breather from toxic air with the pollution index staying in the 'severe' category on November 7 morning.

Amid rising cases of stubble burning in the adjoining states of Punjab and Haryana, as well as the approaching winter when the surface air tends to become denser, trapping more pollutants, the air quality in the national capital has been declining to abysmal depths for more than a week now. Several rounds of the meetings and a brewing political storm have further failed the implication of corrective measures to contain the worsening situation in the city.