New Delhi [India], October 22 : As Delhi's air pollution rapidly increases, the national capital's smog tower situated at Connaught Place remains locked. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the air quality has deteriorated to "very poor" and the locals complain that the tower has not been operational for the entire year.

Sanjay Ahuja, an auto driver by profession and a resident, says that the smog tower was operational last year, but has not been working this time. He said that the tower helps keep the air clean during rising pollution levels in Delhi when it is operational.

"This smog tower has not operated this time. It was operational last year. The air remains clean when it is operated...It should be made operational. The pollution is rising in Delhi, it is difficult to breathe," Ahuja said.

Sangeeta Devi, another resident, said that it is important the tower remains functioning as it helps with air pollution in winter. "This has not been operated this year. But it was operational last year. The air gets cleaned when it is operated. The winters are coming, it is time now for this to be made operational. There is pollution in the air," Devi said.

Another resident, Kiran Tiwari, who runs a tea shop informed there is no clear air to breathe since the tower is not working this year. "I run a tea shop here and live in a slum nearby. The tower has not functioned this year, it was operational the previous year. It is a loss for us that we are not able to breathe clean air," she said.

Dr. Rajesh Chawla, a senior consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital's critical care for respiratory diseases and sleep medicine department, earlier informed that air pollution levels seem to be rising faster than before, resulting in an increased number of patients by 10 to 15 per cent suffering from respiratory issues.