Tejas Navale

As urbanisation and industrialization continue to degrade air quality in Pimpri-Chinchwad city, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's initiative aimed at combating pollution faces setbacks. Despite installing air pollution control systems, commonly referred to as air bin purifiers, across the city, these systems remain inactive months after installation, accumulating dust.

Concerns over deteriorating air quality prompted the PCMC to install artificial lungs at Pimpri Chowk. However, as it turned black within a month, it proved that the quality of the city was deteriorating. Responding to this situation, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation installed an air pollution control system, modelled after Delhi's, under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

The initiative targets 17 key squares within the city, where air pollution control systems will release water mist every ten minutes. This mist aims to weigh down dust particles, facilitating their settlement. Notably, these systems boast an aesthetically pleasing design and incorporate water tanks ranging from 500 to 1000 liters for water supply, with a total expenditure of three crore 90 lakhs.

Key locations such as Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Chowk, Bhosari, Nashik Phata, Chinchwad Station, Kaspte Vasti, Holkar Chowk, Nehrunagar Chowk, Moshi Godown Chowk, and others have been earmarked for installation. Despite the completion of installation, these systems have yet to commence operation, leaving citizens awaiting the promised relief from pollution.

Sanjay Kulkarni, Joint City Engineer of the Environment Department, acknowledged the delay, citing ongoing testing procedures. However, reassurance was provided that these systems are slated to commence operation imminently, offering hope for improved air quality across the city.

Photo Credit: Loksatta