In response to alarming spikes in air quality levels, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a major initiative to install large-scale air purifiers at prominent public locations across the city. The move aims to mitigate the severe air pollution that has plagued the capital in recent days.
Mayor Sulochana Das made the announcement, stating that the first phase will focus on high-density and traffic-congested areas such as Jaydev Vihar and AG Square. These outdoor air purification units are expected to help improve ambient air quality in crowded zones where vehicular emissions, dust, and winter inversion trap pollutants.
Discussions have already been held with the State Pollution Control Board to finalize the implementation details, the Mayor confirmed. Alongside the air purifier rollout, BMC has intensified dust suppression measures, including water sprinkling on roads during sweeping operations to curb particulate matter from construction and road activities.
The decision comes amid a sharp deterioration in the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI). On January 1, 2026, the New Year’s Day, Bhubaneswar recorded an AQI of 305, entering the “Severe” category and raising serious health concerns among residents. Contributing factors included fireworks, increased traffic during festivities, and typical winter weather conditions like low wind speeds and temperature inversion.
Recent data indicates continued challenges, with AQI levels fluctuating in the Poor to Severe range throughout early January, often driven by high PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. As of January 4, readings hovered around 248-294 (Poor to Severe) in various monitoring stations, underscoring the urgency of the intervention.
Mayor Das emphasized that controlling air pollution is not solely the responsibility of the BMC but requires active participation from all citizens. She highlighted the growing number of vehicles per household — often 4-5 cars — as a major contributor to emissions and urged residents to limit unnecessary vehicle use, opt for public transport, carpooling, or cycling where possible.
“Without public cooperation, these efforts will not yield lasting results,” the Mayor stressed. “We are taking proactive steps, but collective awareness and behavioral changes are essential for cleaner air.”
The initiative aligns with broader calls for sustainable urban living in Bhubaneswar, a city aspiring to be a model “Smart City.” Experts note that while outdoor air purifiers can provide localized relief in high-pollution hotspots, long-term solutions must include stricter emission controls, green cover expansion, and reduced reliance on fossil fuel vehicles.
Residents are advised to stay indoors during peak pollution hours, use indoor air purifiers if available, and wear N95 masks when stepping outside. BMC officials have assured that progress on the installation will be monitored closely in coordination with environmental authorities.
