Maha to have pollution-controlling devices in Mumbai, five

The Maharashtra Government is going to install "air pollution controlling" devices in areas of five municipal corporations, apart from 50 locations in Mumbai.

"The number of vehicles in the state has considerably increased in the last few years. Pollution levels are especially high at traffic signals, bus stands, railway stations, toll booths, petrol pumps, airports and construction sites," Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam told reporters here.

As the high concentration of dust particles in air has increased health hazards, these devices have become necessary, he said.

"These devices will be installed in about 50 locations in Mumbai. Also, they will be installed in the areas of Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur and Chandrapur municipal corporations," Kadam said.

The environment minister was speaking to reporters after a meeting with Pune-based Strata Enviro, which manufacturers and installs outdoor 'air pollution controllers'.

"Strata Enviro has, on a pilot basis, installed these devices in Bengaluru, Delhi, Goa and Thane. I was informed that the company plans to install devices in 100 cities by 2019," Kadam said.

An official from the Environment department said these devices suck dust particles, toxic gases from about 1,000 sq ft of area, and blow out purified air.

Kadam said the company will install these devices free of cost.