Air pollution continues to worsen in several Indian cities, pushing authorities to explore new and unconventional ways to improve air quality. With dust, vehicular emissions and industrial pollutants choking urban centres, Rajasthan’s capital Jaipur has now turned to giant outdoor air purifiers to tackle the growing crisis.
The large air purifiers have been placed at high-traffic points such as Jawahar Circle and Tonk Road.
Where the Towers Are Installed and How They Function
Four towering “PAMARES”-style units—each standing eight metres tall—have been set up to filter the surrounding air. According to officials, each purifier can clean up to one million cubic metres of air per hour. The installation work was carried out overnight between November 12 and 13, and the units are expected to become fully operational by November 15.
The move has triggered mixed reactions on social media. A video showing one of the massive purifiers enclosed in a cage-like structure on Rambagh Street went viral on X, with users divided over whether such towers are an effective long-term solution or merely a symbolic gesture.
A user wrote, “Air purifiers on roads? Install brain purifiers in assemblies too.”
“It’s the stupidest idea in the history of stupid ideas,” a comment read.
“This is a useless idea, I don’t think it will make any difference, it would be better to plant as many trees as possible, which will work as natural purifiers,” read another.
A user wrote, “This is like aiming a fire extinguisher at the Sun.”
Someone said, “In a few days they may install ACs on roads as well. Seriously, what an idea!!!”
Jaipur’s Ongoing Pollution Challenge
The Pink City, known for its desert climate, recorded an air quality index (AQI) above 190 on Friday, placing it in the “moderate” category. Major pollutants contributing to this level include PM2.5 and PM10.
The health risks of high PM2.5 and PM10 levels are serious, affecting the lungs and the cardiovascular system, and residents often experience respiratory issues during pollution spikes.
Factors such as traffic congestion, industrial emissions, construction dust, and crop residue burning in nearby regions contribute to these elevated levels. Long-term trends indicate that Jaipur’s annual average AQI has hovered around 100-120.