As Delhi turns into 'gas chamber', India's first smog tower in Connaught Place remains non-operational

Delhi has turned into a Gas Chamber, as residents of the National Capital are gasping for a fresh breath of air. 

On Friday, air quality in the national capital dipped further under the 'severe' category with Mundka recording the highest Air Quality Index (498), as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). 

Meanwhile, Delhi's "Smog Tower" at Connaught Place has been locked up and not operational. 

It was inaugurated in 2021 at a cost of around Rs 20 Crores. 

Also Read: Delhi schools to remain closed for two days amid rising pollution

"I am here at Delhi's smog tower, which was constructed by the Delhi government at a cost of Rs 23 crore. It was claimed that pollution will come down by 50 per cent with the help of this smog tower, however, for last 7-8 months, this smog tower has not been working. Today, when Delhi has turned into a gas chamber, this smog tower remains closed. Questions must be asked from the Kejriwal government what has it done in last 7-8 years to address the issue of air pollution in Delhi," says BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla.

As per CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board), the air quality in Delhi is in 'Severe' category today.

According to the CPCB, the AQI in the Lodhi Road area was recorded at 438, in Jahangirpuri at 491, in the RK Puram area and in 101 Airport (1-3) at 486 and 473 respectively. 

AQI at multiple locations in the NCR region of Noida also plunged to the 'severe' category with Sector 62, Sector 1 and Sector 116 recording 483, 413 and 415 respectively.