CPWD Air Purifier Procurement Surges to 405 Units Over Four Years
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has significantly increased its acquisition of air purifiers, purchasing a total of 405 devices over the past four years for use in key government facilities, including Parliament, the Supreme Court, and various central offices. This marks a substantial rise from zero purchases in the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
Year-by-Year Breakdown of Purchases
In a detailed response to an unstarred question posed by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in the Lok Sabha, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister of State Tokhan Sahu provided a comprehensive breakdown of the procurement. The figures reveal a steady upward trend:
- 2021-2022: 24 air purifiers were acquired.
- 2022-2023: Procurement jumped to 81 units.
- 2023-2024: The number further increased to 144 devices.
- 2024-2025: A peak of 156 air purifiers was purchased.
This data underscores a growing commitment to improving indoor air quality in critical government spaces.
Distribution Across High-Profile Locations
The air purifiers have been strategically deployed across numerous high-profile locations to ensure clean air for officials and staff. According to the minister's written reply, the devices were issued to:
- Offices, chambers, VVIP lounges, and dining halls of Hon'ble Judges and Registrars at the Supreme Court of India.
- Court rooms and areas within the Parliament Complex, including the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
- Hon'ble Ministers' offices and the Constitution Club of India.
- Various ministries and departments located at Nirman Bhawan, Sewa Bhawan, and Vigyan Bhawan.
- CPWD offices in Jodhpur and Varanasi.
This widespread distribution highlights the government's focus on enhancing air quality in both central and regional administrative hubs.
Procurement Details and Brand Diversity
The purchases were meticulously documented through the government's online procurement portal, revealing a diverse range of brands and price points. Air purifiers from renowned companies such as Eureka Forbes, Honeywell, Phillips, and Dyson were among those acquired. The cost of these devices varied significantly, with prices ranging from Rs 15,000 to as high as Rs 1.50 lakh per unit.
This procurement strategy not only ensures access to advanced air purification technology but also reflects a market-driven approach to sourcing quality products for government use.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to address air quality concerns in public buildings, potentially setting a precedent for future environmental health measures in government infrastructure.
