Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai sought a detailed report from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) over the stopping of a smog tower located in the city's Connaught Place.

According to the Delhi government, Rai instructed the DPCC chief to provide a detailed report within next 48 hours addressing payment details, actions taken regarding the non-payment issue, and an investigation into officers responsible for the delays, including potential disciplinary actions.

Rai also directed them to immediately release all outstanding payments of the personnel and start the operations of the smog tower.

On January 7, the smog tower, which began operating in August 2021 as a pollution control measure, experienced a halt in operations after its staff locked it due to non-payment of salary for December 2023.

Notably, the stoppage, ordered by the DPCC chief without releasing operation and maintenance funds, violates a memorandum of understanding (MoU) involving the DPCC, National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), and Tata Projects.

It also defies previous directives of the Supreme Court that were issued in connection with the issue and potentially places the Delhi government at risk of contempt of court.