Jaipur, 15 November: In a bold move to curb deteriorating air quality, the city has become the first in India to install outdoor street-air purifiers at busy junctions such as Rambagh Circle and Ajmeri Gate. The tall tower-like devices, placed on November 12, are intended to filter particulate matter in the immediate area as the city faces worsening pollution levels.
Each purifier unit is reportedly designed to clean a radius of about 40-50 feet around it, addressing fine particles such as PM2.5 and PM10. City officials say the initiative represents an “innovative step” in combating urban pollution.
However, the move has ignited debate among residents and environmental experts. Many social-media users questioned the practicality of such devices outdoors, pointing out that structural causes of pollution traffic emissions, construction dust, and industrial output remain unaddressed. One user observed, “Plant more trees instead!! Installing purifier and cutting trees.”
An environmental specialist, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted: “These machines may help in one spot, but unless you control the source of pollutants they will have limited effect.” Experts also point to research showing that outdoor filtering units rapidly lose efficiency with distance from their location.
City officials maintain that the street-purifier programme is one part of a broader strategy; they say further steps are planned, including stricter regulation of vehicular emissions, dust suppression, and expanded tree cover. Critics say the public will only be reassured once measurable improvements in air-quality indices are seen.
The controversy underscores a key challenge for rapidly growing cities: balancing visible technological fixes with long-term structural solutions. While Jaipur may claim a first-mover status with its street-air purifiers, the jury will remain out on whether those towers alone can make a meaningful difference in the region’s battle against air pollution.