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 procured for various government offices, VVIP lounges, courtrooms, Supreme Court judges, ministers, and other high-ranking officials between 2021 and 2025. This information was shared by Housing and Urban Affairs Minister of State, Tokhan Sahu, in a statement to the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The air purifiers, which were purchased through the government’s online procurement portal, ranged in price from ₹15,000 to ₹1.50 lakh per unit.
The procurement of air purifiers on such a large scale highlights the growing concern about air quality in the country, particularly in the national capital, Delhi. The city has been grappling with severe air pollution for several years, with the air quality index often reaching hazardous levels during the winter months. The government’s decision to purchase air purifiers for its offices and officials is a clear indication of the need to provide a healthy working environment for those in power.
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which is responsible for the maintenance and construction of government buildings, has been at the forefront of this initiative. The department has procured air purifiers for various government offices, including those of ministers, judges, and other high-ranking officials. The move is expected to provide relief to those working in these offices, who are often exposed to poor air quality for extended periods.
The air purifiers purchased by the government are equipped with advanced features such as HEPA filters, which are capable of removing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air. These filters are effective in removing pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, and other harmful gases from the air, providing a safe and healthy breathing environment for those in the vicinity.
The procurement of air purifiers is not limited to government offices alone. The CPWD has also purchased air purifiers for VVIP lounges, which are used by high-ranking officials and dignitaries. These lounges are often equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and the addition of air purifiers is a testament to the government’s commitment to providing a healthy environment for its officials.
The Supreme Court, which is the highest court in the land, has also been equipped with air purifiers. The courtrooms and chambers of the judges have been fitted with air purifiers, providing a healthy environment for the judges, lawyers, and other staff members who work in the court.
The purchase of air purifiers by the government is a significant step towards improving the air quality in its offices and buildings. However, it is also important to note that this is just a small part of the larger problem of air pollution in the country. The government needs to take more comprehensive measures to address the issue of air pollution, which affects not just its officials but the entire population.
Some of the measures that the government can take to address the issue of air pollution include increasing the use of renewable energy sources, promoting the use of electric vehicles, and implementing stricter emission norms for industries and vehicles. The government can also take steps to increase the number of green spaces in urban areas, which can help to absorb pollutants and improve air quality.
In addition to these measures, the government can also take steps to raise awareness about the issue of air pollution and its effects on human health. This can be done through public awareness campaigns, which can educate people about the importance of reducing air pollution and promoting sustainable practices.
In conclusion, the procurement of 405 air purifiers by the government for its offices and officials is a significant step towards improving the air quality in these areas. However, it is just a small part of the larger problem of air pollution in the country. The government needs to take more comprehensive measures to address this issue, which affects not just its officials but the entire population.
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