Agra: Air purifiers installed near Taj Mahal to combat pollution

The Agra District Administration has installed two air purifier machines at the gate of the Taj Mahal to combat air pollution in the region. 

Speaking to a new agency, RK Rathi, the executive engineer, Agra Municipal Corporation said, "An agency has been directed to do the mechanised cleaning as well as deploy two air purifying machines at the gates of Taj Mahal. We are taking these measures to combat air pollution and provide relief to a large number of tourists who visit here every day."

Air Quality in Agra deteriorates 

Air quality in Agra deteriorated on Sunday as an AQI was recorded at 293 concentration of PM 2.5. This was just a few notches away from the 'very poor' category. Air pollution in the north of India has "reached unbearable levels" with a thick smog enveloping the region. Delhi and its neighboring states are the worst affected. 

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Toxic air chokes north India

In other cities of north India, the average AQI recorded last week was 176 and reached 231 on Saturday and 293 on Sunday. In Uttar Pradesh, the AQI recorded 'severe' in Bulandshahar (430), Ghaziabad (491), Greater Noida(482) and 'very poor' in Kanpur (383). According to the Central Pollution Control Board, an AQI between 201-300 is considered ''poor'' and causes breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure. 

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Meanwhile, the Bihar government on Monday imposed a complete ban of state-owned vehicles that were more than 15-years-old. According to reports, a high-level meeting on pollution control chaired by the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar was called. The Delhi government also implemented the Odd-Even scheme in the city in order to combat the pollution. The scheme entails cars with even last digits to run on even days and with odd last digits to run on odd days of the month. The scheme which came into force on Monday, will be concluded on November 15.

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