Is Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa Pioneering a 'Clean Air Zone' Trial in Nehru Park?

New Delhi, June 29 (NationPress) In a significant move towards implementing science-based solutions for purifying Delhi's air, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and PWD Minister, who is also the area MLA, Parvesh Verma, visited Nehru Park on Sunday to assess the potential for establishing a pilot Clean Air Zone.

The Delhi government is currently investigating whether the deployment of outdoor air purifiers in public parks can generate micro-environments with considerably cleaner air, especially during days of elevated AQI, remarked Sirsa.

He noted that this pilot initiative is part of a broader exploratory study that could pave the way for Delhi’s inaugural Clean Air Zone, contingent upon its viability.

Similar zones could also be evaluated for Connaught Place, Khan Market, and other bustling areas. “These initiatives will be realized through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships to alleviate the financial load on the public sector,” the minister mentioned.

“We are currently in the research phase. The technology has shown encouraging results in limited settings, and we want to determine if it can be effective in larger green spaces like Nehru Park. We plan to gather public feedback regarding the technology's applicability,” stated Sirsa.

“This exemplifies a proactive strategy — trialing innovations before large-scale implementation, ensuring they genuinely benefit the community,” he added.

The 85-acre Nehru Park has been earmarked as a potential pilot location where 150 state-of-the-art air purification units may be installed, subject to further study.

These devices, which have been tested at select venues such as ISBTs and fuel stations, have previously shown an ability to lower PM 2.5 levels in localized areas.

Parvesh Verma, the PWD Minister and area MLA, emphasized the government’s dedication to comprehensive infrastructure and environmental improvements.

“The Delhi Government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, is diligently working to revamp the capital. I extend my gratitude to the Prime Minister for the Rs 1,000 crore support allocated for the reconstruction, repair, and upgrading of Delhi’s roads and infrastructure,” he stated.

“Sirsa is consistently on-site, personally monitoring every development and pollution-control initiative. His dedication is steadfast. This government is tirelessly working to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Delhi,” he remarked.

Senior officials from the Environment Department, NDMC, and PWD accompanied the ministers during the site inspection, which included engaging with morning walkers and joggers to collect feedback.

The study aims to ascertain if such technology can reliably decrease AQI levels by up to 50 percent within designated areas, thereby enabling the safer utilization of public spaces year-round.

Each proposed purifier stands over 9 feet tall and employs advanced filtration technology to capture harmful PM 2.5 particles. If implemented, these could cover a radius of 400-600 square meters, providing year-round relief for walkers, joggers, and children frequenting the park.

However, the actual deployment will hinge entirely on the findings of the ongoing technical and environmental feasibility study, stated an official.