405 Air Purifiers Bought for Ministers, VVIP Lounges in 4 Years: Govt
In a bid to provide clean air to the country’s top brass, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has procured a significant number of air purifiers for government offices, VVIP lounges, courtrooms, and even the residences of Supreme Court judges and ministers. According to a recent revelation, a total of 405 air purifiers were bought between 2021 and 2025, with prices ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹1.50 lakh per unit.
This information was shared by Housing and Urban Affairs Minister of State, Tokhan Sahu, in a response to a question in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The minister informed the house that the air purifiers were purchased through the government’s online procurement portal, which is designed to facilitate transparent and efficient procurement of goods and services.
The procurement of air purifiers is a significant move, given the rising concerns about air pollution in the country. The national capital, Delhi, is particularly notorious for its poor air quality, which has been a major health concern for residents and visitors alike. By providing air purifiers in government offices and other key locations, the authorities are taking a step towards ensuring that those in power can breathe easy, even if the rest of the population is not so fortunate.
The breakdown of the air purifiers procured by the CPWD is not available, but it is likely that the majority of them have been installed in government offices, including the Parliament building, Supreme Court, and other key locations. The fact that the air purifiers were purchased through the online procurement portal suggests that the process was transparent and followed established guidelines.
The prices of the air purifiers, which range from ₹15,000 to ₹1.50 lakh per unit, are significant, but not unusually high. High-quality air purifiers can cost upwards of ₹50,000, and it is likely that the CPWD opted for reputable brands that offer effective air purification solutions.
The decision to procure air purifiers for government offices and VVIP lounges is a clear indication of the authorities’ concern about air quality. While it may not be possible to provide air purifiers to every citizen, the government can at least ensure that those in positions of power are protected from the harmful effects of air pollution.
However, the move has also raised questions about the government’s priorities. While it is understandable that the authorities want to provide a safe and healthy working environment for ministers, judges, and other officials, it is also important to consider the broader implications of air pollution. The fact that the government is willing to spend significant amounts of money on air purifiers for a select few, while millions of citizens continue to breathe polluted air, has sparked debate about the allocation of resources.
Moreover, the procurement of air purifiers is only a temporary solution to a much larger problem. Air pollution is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and sustained effort to address. The government needs to take a more holistic approach to tackling air pollution, including measures such as reducing emissions from vehicles and industries, increasing the use of renewable energy, and promoting sustainable practices.
In conclusion, the procurement of 405 air purifiers by the CPWD is a significant move, but it is only a small step towards addressing the larger issue of air pollution. While it is important to provide clean air to those in power, the government must also prioritize the needs of the broader population and take a more comprehensive approach to tackling air pollution.
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