The Delhi Government has requested Rs 1,000 crore in funding from the Central Government to deploy new technology and implement measures aimed at reducing the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the national capital, PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma said during an inspection. As part of the Governments initiative to install air purifiers in the city, Verma along with Environment Minister  Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Sunday visited the Nehru Park area. Since we have formed the government, our cabinet minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and his department have taken many steps in lowering pollution and AQI in Delhi. We will identify spots in Delhi and come forward with our best technology. We have requested a funding of Rs 1000 crore from the Central Government for this, the minister said. The ministers visited Nehru Park to review the feasibility of creating a pilot Clean Air Zone. The Government is evaluating whether the installation of outdoor air purifiers across public parks can create microclimates of significantly cleaner air, particularly during increased AQI days. This is part of a larger exploratory study that could lead to Delhis first Clean Air Zone if found viable. The 85-acre Nehru Park has been identified as a potential pilot site where 150 advanced air purification machines may be installed, subject to further analysis. These machines, already tested at select locations such as ISBTs and petrol stations, have previously demonstrated a capacity to reduce PM2.5 levels in localized environments. Senior officials from the Environment Department, NDMC and PWD accompanied the ministers during the site inspection, which included interaction with morning walkers and joggers to gather feedback. The study aims to determine whether such technology can consistently lower AQI levels by up to 50 per cent within designated areas and thus enable safer use of public spaces throughout the year. We are conducting a study. The technology has shown promise in limited applications, and we want to understand whether it can work across larger green zones like Nehru Park. We aim to ask people if the technology fit to work or not in their feedback, said Shri Manjinder Singh Sirsa. This is part of a proactive approach — testing innovation before scale, and only where it truly benefits people. Each proposed purifier is over 9 feet tall and uses advanced filtration technology to capture harmful PM2.5 particles. If implemented in the future, these could cover a 400–600 square meter radius and offer year-round relief to walkers, joggers, and children using the park. However, deployment will depend entirely on the results of this technical and environmental feasibility study currently being conducted. Sirsa informed that the government is exploring the concepts viability in real conditions, before making any commitments. If the study confirms both impact and practicality, similar Clean Air Zones could be considered at Connaught Place, Khan Market, and other high-footfall locations. These would be undertaken via Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships to avoid burdening public finances. PWD Minister who is also the area MLA, underscored the governments commitment to holistic infrastructure and environment upgrades. The Delhi government is working tirelessly to transform the capital. I want to thank the Prime Minister for the Rs 1,000 crore aid provided to rebuild, repair and upgrade Delhis roads and infrastructure, he said. This proposed initiative is part of Delhis broader Environmental Action Plan 2025 which includes reviving long-pending artificial rain projects, daily mechanical sweeping, mist spraying and enforcement of construction norms. Anti-smog guns have been made mandatory for large construction sites, and real-time compliance monitoring is underway. Legacy landfill bio-mining is actively progressing at Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla, aiming for permanent removal of hazardous waste . To curb emissions from outdated vehicles, ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) cameras are being installed at city entry points. These enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) restrictions throughout the year to improve compliance and protect public health. Pollution control cannot be symbolic — it has to be scientific and tested. Thats why we are evaluating this model first before taking action. If this study confirms impact, we will take it forward. Delhi deserves breathable air, and every idea that can help us get there is worth exploring, Sirsa added. Citizens are also being engaged as key stakeholders in this study. Feedback from morning walkers and fitness groups will shape the final decision. If the Clean Air Zone concept proves viable at Nehru Park, it could set a benchmark for pollution mitigation in urban open spaces — from parks and schools to markets and residential areas.

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