New Delhi: The much-hyped smog tower inaugurated by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in 2021 to combat Delhi's air pollution is once again non-functional. Despite the hazardous air quality in the national capital, the Rs 23 crore smog tower in Connaught Place remains shut down. The tower was closed by the operating staff due to non-payment of their December 2023 salaries and the absence of written job guarantees from the Delhi government.
The responsibility of managing the smog tower was entrusted to a 13-member team from the private company Vibgyour Consulting. This closure follows a previous shutdown, and it was only reopened in November 2023 following the Supreme Court's directives.
Mahipal Bisht, a staff member, revealed, "This tower is under Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), and our company, Vibgyour Consulting, was operating this tower." He explained that the tower's operations were halted in April 2023, but after the Supreme Court's intervention in November, the tower was restarted. However, the staff has not received their December salaries, and the company lacks job confirmation from the Delhi government, leading them to lock the smog tower.
The staff also highlighted the lack of basic amenities, including drinking water and accessible toilets, along with insufficient tools and safety gear. Moreover, they mentioned that the smog tower is not functioning at full capacity, with many of the 5000 filters requiring replacement.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had inaugurated the smog tower in August 2021, touting it as the country's first initiative to combat pollution. Despite the promises, the smog tower has faced operational challenges and periods of inactivity. Even during peak pollution times last year, two smog towers in Delhi were non-operational. The Supreme Court, addressing air pollution petitions, directed the DPCC chairman to ensure the smog towers' operation after summoning him in November 2023. The court emphasized that Delhi cannot endure such pollution issues year after year.
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