Question : Installation of Smog Towers

(a) the details specific to the cost incurred in installing Smog Towers;
(b) whether the Government has assessed the costeffectiveness of installation of Smog Towers to reduce pollution and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government believes that reducing pollution at the source is more cost effective than installing Smog Towers to reduce pollution;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the actions taken thereon to install mechanisms to reduce pollution and smog at its source; and
(e) the details pertaining to budgetary allocation made towards pollution control?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)

(a) & (b)The total project cost of Smog Tower installed by CPCB at AnandViharwas Rs. 18,52,75,120/- excluding taxes and duties, operational cost, power connection, project management consultant (PMC) charges, Annual Maintenance Charges (AMC) and other specific works. Out of which, Rs.13,59,10,000/- was for tower construction and commissioning work related components (executed by TPL).

As informed by the Delhi Government, the total cost for installation of smog tower at Baba Khark Singh Marg, Connaught Place is Rs. 19,42, 35, 120/-.

The two Smog Towers are experimental pilot projects and further utility will depend on the performance results and other relevant issues.

(c)& (d) It is scientifically true that reducing, preventing and control of pollution at the source is more cost effective than installing Smog Towers to reduce pollution.
The government has taken several actions to reduce air pollution which include the introduction of BS-VI norms for fuel and vehicles since April 2020; promotion of E-vehicles; expansion the of network of Metro rails for public transport; promotion of cleaner fuel such as PNG; stringent emission norms for industries including coal-based Thermal Power Plants (TPPs); zig-zag technology for brick kilns; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic and e-waste management; real-time monitoring of major industrial sectors, etc. Sector-wise measures are enclosed at Annexure-I.

(e) Rs. 472.06 Crores have been provided to non-attainment cities under National Clean Air Programme during 2019-2022. The details are enclosed as Annexure-II.

Rs. 4400 Crores and Rs.1833 Croreshave been released under 15thFinance Commission Grant to 42 Urban Agglomerations (UA) having million plus population in the year 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively for improving air quality. Details are enclosed as Annexure-III and Annexure-IV.

Further, Grant of Rs. 12139.00 Crores under Million Plus Challenge Fund has also been allocatedfor the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26. Details are enclosed as Annexure-V.


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