405 Air Purifiers Bought for Ministers, VVIP Lounges in 4 Years: Govt
In a recent revelation, the government has disclosed that a total of 405 air purifiers have been purchased for various government offices, VVIP lounges, courtrooms, and even for the Supreme Court judges and ministers over the past four years. This information was shared by the Housing and Urban Affairs Minister of State, Tokhan Sahu, in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The air purifiers, which are designed to improve the indoor air quality, were procured by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) between 2021 and 2025.
The cost of these air purifiers varied significantly, ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹1.50 lakh per unit. The procurement process was carried out through the government’s online procurement portal, ensuring transparency and accountability in the purchasing process. The move to purchase air purifiers on such a large scale underscores the government’s efforts to provide a healthy and safe working environment for its officials, judges, and other stakeholders.
The purchase of air purifiers is a significant step towards mitigating the adverse effects of air pollution, which has become a major concern in India, particularly in urban areas. The country has been struggling to combat the menace of air pollution, which is caused by a combination of factors, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and construction work. The air quality in many Indian cities, including Delhi, has been consistently poor, with particulate matter (PM) levels often exceeding the safe limits.
The installation of air purifiers in government offices, VVIP lounges, and courtrooms is expected to provide a cleaner and healthier environment for the people working and visiting these premises. Air purifiers are designed to remove pollutants, allergens, and other harmful particles from the air, thereby improving the indoor air quality. By providing a cleaner environment, the government aims to protect the health and well-being of its officials, judges, and other stakeholders, who spend a significant amount of time indoors.
The decision to purchase air purifiers on such a large scale also highlights the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of air pollution. The government has been taking various measures to combat air pollution, including the implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) levels by 20-30% by 2024. The purchase of air purifiers is a significant step towards achieving this goal, as it will help to create a cleaner and healthier environment for the people working and visiting government offices and other premises.
The fact that the air purifiers were purchased through the government’s online procurement portal ensures that the procurement process was transparent and accountable. The online portal provides a platform for vendors to bid for government contracts, ensuring that the procurement process is fair and competitive. This approach also helps to prevent corruption and ensures that the government gets the best value for its money.
In addition to the purchase of air purifiers, the government has also been taking other measures to improve the indoor air quality in its offices and other premises. These measures include the installation of air conditioning systems, which are designed to remove pollutants and allergens from the air, and the use of natural ventilation systems, which help to circulate fresh air and reduce the need for air conditioning.
The purchase of air purifiers is also expected to have a positive impact on the health and productivity of government officials, judges, and other stakeholders. By providing a cleaner and healthier environment, the government can help to reduce the risk of respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues associated with poor air quality. This, in turn, can help to improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and enhance overall well-being.
In conclusion, the purchase of 405 air purifiers for government offices, VVIP lounges, courtrooms, and Supreme Court judges and ministers over the past four years is a significant step towards improving the indoor air quality and providing a healthier environment for government officials, judges, and other stakeholders. The move underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of air pollution and its efforts to create a cleaner and healthier environment for its citizens. As the government continues to take measures to combat air pollution, it is essential that it also focuses on improving the indoor air quality in its offices and other premises, to protect the health and well-being of its officials and stakeholders.