Four years since its installation, Chandigarh is preparing to dismantle the Chandigarh Air Purifier Tower located at Transport Chowk, Sector 26. The pilot project, which began amid high hopes to combat growing air pollution, is now coming to an end following a decision by the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) and the UT Administration.

The History of Chandigarh Air Purifier Tower

Installed in September 2021, the 24-meter tall air purifier tower was envisioned as a revolutionary solution to air pollution at one of Chandigarh’s busiest intersections, where vehicle emissions are highest. It was introduced as a pilot project with plans to extend similar towers to six major intersections across the city. The goal was ambitious: each tower was designed to clean the air within a 500-meter radius and even reduce surrounding temperatures by a few degrees.

Functionally, the tower worked by drawing in polluted air, spraying it with a mist inside a purification chamber, and then releasing clean air back into the environment. Operating 18 hours a day, it was expected to cut down pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide by 50% in its immediate vicinity. The facility was officially inaugurated on the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, September 7, 2021.

Pilot Project Evaluation and Termination

Although the concept held promise, the tower’s real-world impact was more limited than anticipated. A third-party evaluation conducted by the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR) found that while there were benefits, the purification effect was confined to a very narrow area. This limited effectiveness was a critical factor influencing the decision to discontinue the project.

The CPCC’s governing body met recently and decided to terminate the pilot. The administration issued a three-month notice to the firm responsible for the installation, requiring the removal of the tower. During this period, the administration will continue to provide electricity and maintenance support, after which the facility will be permanently shut down.

Initially, based on the pilot’s data, the administration had considered installing similar towers at five other locations with heavy traffic. However, following the evaluation, further expansion has been shelved indefinitely.

Financial and Operational Considerations

Unlike many public projects, the installation cost of the air purifier tower was borne by the company that manufactured it, which made the pilot financially low-risk in terms of capital expenditure for the UT Administration. However, the ongoing operational cost, primarily electricity to power the system, was funded by the government.

Given the limited effectiveness and the increasing air pollution levels in Chandigarh, the Administration seemed to prioritize public funds for other sustainable and perhaps more effective pollution control measures.

The Reality of Air Pollution in Chandigarh

Despite efforts like the air purifier tower, air pollution in Chandigarh has worsened over the last few years. Data from the National Clean Air Programme monitoring shows a steady increase in particulate matter 10 (PM10) concentrations:

• 116 micrograms per cubic meter during 2022–23 and 2023–24
• 121 micrograms per cubic meter in 2024–25

Especially during winters, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently reached unhealthy levels, reflecting the broader challenges faced by the city in combating air pollution.

What Happens Next? Future Steps for Chandigarh

With the dismantling of the landmark air purifier tower at Transport Chowk, questions arise about what measures will replace it. Air pollution is a complex, multifaceted problem that likely requires a combination of regulatory measures, public awareness, and innovative solutions.

While the tower’s impact was localized and limited, its removal could mark a shift to investing in more scalable and sustainable pollution mitigation strategies, including stricter vehicle emission controls, green urban planning, enhanced public transport, and better waste management.

What to Expect?

Chandigarh’s experience with India’s tallest air purifier tower offers valuable lessons on urban air quality management. Technology alone cannot be a silver bullet; pilot projects must be complemented with rigorous assessments and adaptive strategies.

As the air purifier tower at Sector 26 is set to be removed after four years, the city faces a critical juncture in its ongoing fight against air pollution. The lessons from this pilot can inform more effective, sustainable solutions to ensure cleaner air for all residents.