Smog tower at Delhi’s Connaught Place works best in winter compared to summer: IIT-Bombay study

As per the study, during the period between October 2021 and February 2022, the performance of the tower was inefficient because of leakage, filter dislodgement, humidity etc. While it managed to reduce a significant percentage of pollutants from its immediate vicinity, its effectiveness over 400 metres was only 5%.

In the next winter — October 2022 to February 2023 — the efficiency at a longer distance improved to 17%. As per the study, its overall impact in removing particulate matter was better in winters as compared to summers.

The study said that in summers and monsoons, pollution levels are low and there is no need to operate the tower.

In recommending that the smog tower, which was built in Connaught Place at a cost of over Rs 22 crore, be shut, the DPCC said the percentage of pollutants that are being removed because of the tower was small and the effects could be achieved even in the case of a strong wind blowing. It also said that the cost of acquiring land for a project like this was high in a city like Delhi.

IIT-Bombay, in its report, suggested that the project could be extended by taking into consideration the concept of ‘willingness to pay’ by communities by setting up air cleaner systems in their residential areas. “IIT-Bombay suggested reconsidering the design with a smaller number of fans, lower height of the tower, and smaller footprint. This will help in the reduction of installation and operational cost… and greatly render the system suitable for cities where availability and cost of land is a critical factor in governing considerations for the deployment,” it stated.

DPCC, however, stated that the impact of the tower was very limited when looking at macro air quality. “The report analysis says the tower will work more efficiently during peak pollution loading compared to less pollution loading. Data reveals that particulate pollution remains very high and not much impact is seen… From the final report…, it is evident that the impact of smog tower even in the vicinity is very low,” it said.

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