Smog Tower To Help Delhi Breathe But Experts Sceptical
Sumaira FH Published July 22, 2021 | 10:00 AM
New Delhi, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Jul, 2021 ) :A new attempt at purifying New Delhi's notoriously polluted air will see forty giant fans push out filtered air in the heart of the Indian capital's posh downtown shopping district.
But the $2 million "smog tower" has no shortage of doubters who say it will not help a city notorious for some of the world's dirtiest air.
The 25-metre (82 foot) high tower is meant to filter air over a one square kilometre radius around the swanky shops and cafes in Connaught Place.
The neighbourhood's British colonial-era buildings are hit by a grey-yellow smog every winter.
"Smog is an annual phenomenon because of particulate matter. So we are (trying) to contain this," said Anwar Ali Khan, who is in charge of the project.
The engineer added the objective is to eliminate up to 50 percent of the most deadly PM2.5 particles from the air.
The city has said more towers could be built if this experiment works.
Delhi's chief minister Arvind Kejriwal once called the Indian capital a "gas chamber" because of its intense pollution.
Experts say that while smog towers may work they are just a pinprick against the relentless foe of car and truck fumes, construction dirt, industrial emissions and the agricultural stubble burning that engulf the city of more than 20 million.
"Installing smog towers has never been, and will never be a solution," Sunil Dahiya, an analyst with the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, told AFP.
"If we really, really want to address pollution, it has to be addressed at the source." Dahiya added the tower will be powered by regular grid-based electricity with more than 70 percent of India's electricity coming from coal.
"So we will only be adding to pollution elsewhere in the country."Delhi's attempts to halve the number of cars allowed on the city's roads have not had much success.
"Every government claims that they're working to reduce pollution but we don't see the results," Delhi resident Pradeep Kumar told AFP.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Nazish Jahangir denies viral screenshots, calls them fake
Govt likely to hike electricity price once again
Bismah Maroof announces immediate retirement from international cricket
Malala expresses unwavering support for Gaza people
Selection committee dissolved over Pakistan women cricket team's poor performanc ..
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in police uniform at Chung police center
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 25 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 25 April 2024
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
Pakistan, Japan agrees to convene 'Economic Policy Dialogue'
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
2 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
3 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
4 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
4 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
4 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
4 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
6 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
10 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
11 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
11 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
14 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
16 days ago