Govt tests anti-pollution towers to arrest air toxicity

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Friday said it has initiated the testing of 'anti-pollution towers' on a pilot basis in a bid to check their effectiveness in reducing particulate matters and other pollutants suspended in the air.

The 'anti-pollution towers' absorb particulate matters from the surroundings and release fresh air back into the atmosphere, according to an official statement.

These towers have been put on trial at the crucial Indraprastha Marg Flyover and at the ITO crossing initially and would be installed at other places depending on their test results, it said.

Delhi environment minister Imran Hussain said the performance of these towers will be monitored and the results obtained will be evaluated for checking their efficacy and utility.

"Based on their results, the government will take further necessary decision for installing anti-pollution towers at other prominent locations in Delhi for curbing air pollution at busy traffic intersections," he said.

The minister also said that the Delhi government was committed to reduce air pollution and emphasised that technology was the only way forward for finding ways and means for controlling air pollution.

The air quality in the national capital had remained 'very poor' during November and December last year, with toxic smog disrupting normal life for days on end. Even an international cricket match was also disrupted.