New Delhi, January 7 – The smog tower in Delhi’s Connaught Place has become non-operational due to delayed salary payments and a lack of job guarantees, according to Saurabh Bharadwaj, a Delhi Minister and AAP leader. The tower, inaugurated by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in 2021, had been made operational in November last year following a directive from the Supreme Court. However, the personnel responsible for its operations have allegedly locked it up in protest against non-payment of their December 2023 salaries and the absence of written job guarantees from the Delhi government.
Bharadwaj expressed concerns about the concentration of powers in the hands of a select few officials, claiming that they are not being held accountable for their actions. He accused the central government of deliberately creating mismanagement by locking the smog towers.
Today, all powers have been given to a few officials and now they are working as per their wish. First, they closed the smog tower but when the court scolded them, the smog tower was made operational. Now, I don’t know under what circumstances it has been closed. Officials are not following the orders of ministers because they know that no action will be taken against them, said Bhardwaj.
The smog tower was initially repaired and made operational following a directive from the Supreme Court in response to the severe air pollution crisis in Delhi. However, the recent closure of the tower due to salary disputes raises concerns about the city’s ongoing battle against air pollution.
While the smog tower was intended to help combat the hazardous levels of pollution in the city, its non-operational status poses a significant setback to Delhi’s efforts to improve air quality. With the city already grappling with high smog levels and poor air quality, the closure of the tower adds to the existing challenges faced by the national capital.
The pride of Delhi, the smog tower in Connaught Place, now stands as a symbol of the mismanagement and discord between officials and administrators. As the authorities work to address the salary issues and resolve the dispute, it is crucial that a swift resolution is reached to ensure the tower can resume its vital role in reducing air pollution and protecting the health of Delhi’s residents.
In the meantime, residents of Delhi must continue to take precautions to protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution. Using face masks, limiting outdoor activities, and ensuring proper ventilation in homes and workplaces are some measures that individuals can undertake to safeguard their health.
As the city grapples with the challenges posed by air pollution, it is essential for both the central and state governments to work together to address the concerns raised by the personnel responsible for operating the smog tower. Only through effective collaboration and timely action can the smog tower be restored to its rightful functioning state and contribute to the much-needed improvement of Delhi’s air quality.
