'Delhi smog tower stands idle due to salary delays': AAP's Saurabh Bhardwaj alleges Centre's mismanagement

New Delhi: As the national capital grapples with a persistent haze, the smog tower at Connaught Place stands non-operational, a consequence of personnel withholding its functionality due to delayed salaries for December 2023 and the absence of written job guarantees from the Delhi government.

Operational Halt Despite Supreme Court Directive

Inaugurated by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in 2021, the smog tower, vital for combatting air pollution, was rendered non-functional after personnel 'locked it' in protest. This development comes despite the tower being made operational in November last year following a directive from the Supreme Court, instructing the government to repair and activate it.

Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj Raises Concerns

Delhi Minister and AAP leader, Saurabh Bhardwaj, expressed his dismay, pointing to a disconcerting trend where officials seem to act independently, allegedly due to an assurance of impunity.

He highlighted the need for accountability, stating, "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," in an interview with ANI.

Accusations of Deliberate Mismanagement

Adding fuel to the controversy, Minister Bhardwaj accused the central government of intentionally locking the smog towers, contributing to the ongoing mismanagement. He stated, "I think this mismanagement is being deliberately spread by the central government."

This incident raises concerns not only about the immediate impact on Delhi's air quality but also about the broader issue of governance and accountability in the efforts to combat environmental challenges.