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, and even for the residences of Supreme Court judges and ministers over the past four years. This information was shared by Housing and Urban Affairs Minister of State, Tokhan Sahu, in a response to a query in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
The procurement of these air purifiers was carried out by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), which is the primary construction agency of the Indian government. The air purifiers were purchased through the government’s online procurement portal, GeM (Government e-Marketplace), which was launched in 2016 to facilitate online procurement of goods and services by government departments.
The prices of the air purifiers varied widely, ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹1.50 lakh per unit. This significant variation in prices suggests that the government procured air purifiers of different capacities and features to cater to the diverse needs of various government offices and VVIP areas.
The procurement of such a large number of air purifiers over a period of four years highlights the growing concern about air pollution in the country, particularly in urban areas like Delhi. The national capital has been grappling with severe air pollution for several years, with the air quality often deteriorating to hazardous levels during the winter months.
The government’s decision to procure air purifiers for its offices and VVIP areas is a clear indication of the importance it attaches to providing a healthy and safe working environment for its officials and dignitaries. The move is also expected to raise awareness about the need for air purification systems in public spaces, particularly in areas with high footfall and poor air quality.
The procurement of air purifiers is also in line with the government’s broader efforts to address the issue of air pollution in the country. In recent years, the government has launched several initiatives to reduce air pollution, including the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) levels by 20-30% across 102 cities by 2024.
The use of air purifiers in government offices and VVIP areas is expected to have a positive impact on the health and well-being of officials and dignitaries who work and visit these areas. Air purifiers can remove pollutants and allergens from the air, reducing the risk of respiratory problems and other health issues associated with poor air quality.
In addition to government offices and VVIP areas, air purifiers are also being used in other public spaces, such as schools, hospitals, and shopping malls. As awareness about the importance of air purification grows, it is likely that the demand for air purifiers will increase, driving innovation and growth in the industry.
In conclusion, the procurement of 405 air purifiers by the CPWD for government offices, VVIP lounges, and other areas over the past four years is a significant development that highlights the government’s commitment to providing a healthy and safe working environment for its officials and dignitaries. As the country continues to grapple with the issue of air pollution, the use of air purifiers is likely to become more widespread, driving growth and innovation in the industry.
The government’s efforts to address air pollution through the procurement of air purifiers and other initiatives are a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of air pollution and to ensure that the air quality in the country improves significantly over the coming years.
As the government continues to work towards reducing air pollution and improving air quality, it is essential that citizens also play their part by adopting environmentally friendly practices and supporting initiatives that promote clean air and a healthy environment.
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