The Chandigarh administration has finally ordered the removal of a 24-meter air purifier tower at Transport Chowk, Sector 26, after over four years of operation and mounting electricity costs. The tower, initially inaugurated on International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on September 7, 2021, was touted as a high-tech solution to tackle the city’s rising air pollution.
Tower Promised Major Pollution Reduction, Failed in Reality
The air purifier tower was designed to draw in polluted air, treat it using a mist-spraying system, and release cleaner air. The private company behind the project claimed it could:
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Reduce pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur dioxide by up to 50%
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Improve air quality in a 500-meter radius
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Lower ambient temperature
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Operate 18 hours a day
However, a third-party evaluation by the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR) in June 2025 revealed that the tower was effective only in a very limited area, far below the promised performance.
Rising Costs and Administrative Action
Despite the poor performance, the administration continued paying nearly ₹25,000 per month for electricity, totaling around ₹12 lakh over four years. The company repeatedly sought extensions to dismantle the tower.
“A three-month deadline was given in July, which ended in October, but the firm kept asking for more time. Now we have directed them to remove the tower immediately and disconnected the power supply,” said a senior official from the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC).
The installation cost was covered by the company, but electricity costs were borne by the administration.
Future of Air Purifier Towers in Chandigarh
Initially planned as a pilot project, the tower was intended to be replicated at six major intersections across the city due to heavy traffic and high vehicular emissions. After the disappointing results, officials confirmed that no additional towers will be installed.
Meanwhile, air pollution in Chandigarh has continued to worsen. Monitoring under the National Clean Air Programme shows:
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PM10 levels increased from 116 µg/m³ in 2022-23 and 2023-24 to 121 µg/m³ in 2024-25
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AQI readings deteriorated sharply during winter months
Key Takeaways
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Chandigarh air purifier tower failed to deliver promised pollution control
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Administration spent ₹12 lakh on electricity over 4 years
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No further towers will be installed in the city
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Air pollution continues to rise, highlighting the need for better solutions
