The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has installed a Particulate Matter Abatement System (PAMARES), a filterless outdoor air purifier, at Vikas Sadan in Gurugram on a trial basis to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing local particle pollution, with officials set to monitor changes in PM2.5 and PM10 levels over the coming weeks, officials said.
The device was installed a few feet from Vikas Sadan’s Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) to measure changes in local air quality.
“As part of the trial, the device is the first of its kind to be installed with an air quality monitor in Haryana. Air quality monitoring data obtained over the next few weeks will help evaluate its effectiveness,” said a senior official familiar with the development.
The purifier is installed at least six feet above ground level, and it collects dust on its metal surface by charging and bringing particles into the ionization zone using ambient and natural air movement.
Officials said the test results will determine whether the purifier is able to capture and reduce the concentrated presence of particulate matter, such as PM2.5 and PM10.
The city currently relies on mechanical road sweeping machines or trucks to remove road dust and reduce local emissions. The city has 20 road sweeping machines of its own. However, there are 52 more that effectively cover all the city’s roads under the Clean Air Action Plan prepared for 2026.
“The purifier will collect particles in an area of about 300 square meters from where it is installed. It is being placed at hotspots where PM levels are usually relatively high,” said the senior official, requesting anonymity.
Based on the results of the experiment, the council will plan to expand its reach to other regions and areas, the official said, adding that the purifier runs on low electricity and does not contain fans or filters, thus eliminating noise pollution in the vicinity.
A private company was commissioned to install and maintain the device, which requires minimal maintenance through periodic wiping of accumulated dust.
The air quality index (AQI) readings at Vikas Sadan are usually much higher than those at the other three monitoring stations in the city due to its location in a high-traffic office building surrounded by several government buildings and busy intersections near Rajiv Chowk, officials said.
