In a significant step to address growing air pollution concerns, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced plans to install air purifiers at major traffic junctions across the city. The initiative aims to reduce the Air Quality Index (AQI) and improve overall air quality, particularly during the winter season when pollution levels tend to spike.
Phase-Wise Implementation Begins
BMC Mayor Sulochana Das said the project will be implemented in a phase-wise manner. In the first phase, air purifiers will be installed at Jayadev Vihar and AG Square, two of Bhubaneswar’s busiest and most pollution-prone intersections due to heavy vehicular movement.
The mayor confirmed that discussions have already been held with the Odisha State Pollution Control Board to ensure technical feasibility, monitoring, and effective execution of the initiative. The performance of the air purifiers at these pilot locations will be closely assessed before expanding the project to other parts of the city.
Multiple Measures to Control Pollution
Apart from installing air purifiers, the BMC has intensified other pollution-control measures. Water sprinkling is being carried out at areas where mechanical road sweeping is undertaken, with the aim of suppressing dust and reducing particulate matter in the air. These combined efforts are part of a broader, integrated strategy to combat deteriorating air quality in the state capital.
Mayor Das emphasized that the civic body is committed to adopting innovative and practical solutions to improve environmental health. “The installation of air purifiers at prominent locations is a proactive step to curb pollution and protect public health,” she said.
Expansion Planned Based on Results
Based on the effectiveness of the initial installations, the BMC plans to expand the air purifier project to more traffic-heavy and vulnerable locations in subsequent phases. The initiative reflects increasing civic focus on sustainable urban living and environmental management.
The decision comes at a time when air pollution has emerged as a serious concern in Bhubaneswar, especially during winter months when low wind speed and temperature inversion worsen air quality. Citizens and environmental experts have welcomed the move, hoping it will contribute to cleaner air and better quality of life.
