New Delhi [India], June 29 : Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Sunday announced plans to install outdoor air purifiers at Nehru Park as part of a pilot project to create the city's first "clean air zone".
The initiative aims to reduce pollution levels in public spaces, particularly in areas with high foot traffic, such as parks.
"AQI is a big challenge in Delhi. We are working to lower the AQI...We are conducting a study in Nehru Park. As many people come to this area for morning walks and exercise, we are trying to determine if we can lower the AQI in a particular location...," said Sirsa.
Improve air quality in Nehru Park by installing outdoor air purifiers that can cover an area of approximately 600 square meters each.
The project will be funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships with private firms, ensuring that there is no direct financial burden on the government.
The air purifiers use a unique system to capture and store polluting particles, operating 24/7 with minimal maintenance requirements.
Earlier today, Sirsa and PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma inspected Nehru Park on Sunday. Delhi recorded a 'satisfactory' AQI of 84 today, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Nehru Park attracts hundreds of walkers, joggers, and yoga enthusiasts daily, making it an ideal location for testing air purification technology.
By reducing pollution levels in public spaces, the initiative aims to create healthier environments for citizens.
Earlier on June 15, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked the already enforced Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect after AQI was recorded at 140.
The Sub-Committee on GRAP further reviewed the air quality scenario in the region, as well as the forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the air quality index of Delhi, during its meeting.
"AQI of Delhi has shown consistent improvement due to favourable meteorological conditions, and the AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 140 for June 15, 2025 (in 'Moderate' category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in the 'Moderate' category in the coming days," the order issued by the CAQM read.
Accordingly, the subcommittee decided to revoke its order, which invoked actions under Stage-I ('Poor' Air Quality) of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.
"All the agencies of the concerned State Govts./GNCTD in the NCR, in an effort to sustain the better AQI levels as being experienced currently and not to let the air quality slip to the "Poor" category, however need to ensure that all statutory directions, advisories, orders etc. issued by the Commission are followed and implemented in right earnest, including the rules/ regulations/ guidelines issued by MoEFCC and the Central Pollution Control Board and related instructions/ guidelines issued by the respective State Govts./GNCTD and Pollution Control Boards/DPCC, across all contributing sectors," the order read.