DELHI MAN BUILDS DIY AIR PURIFIER CUTTING AQI TO 50

Delhi’s air is once again choking its people. As the winter sets in, smog thickens, and pollution levels soar. While most people complain or rush to buy expensive air purifiers, one Delhi resident decided to take matters into his own hands. With just a few tools, a simple idea, and Rs 2,000, he built a do-it-yourself air purifier that transformed his home’s air quality from toxic to clean within minutes. His story is a reminder that innovation often begins at home, driven by necessity and a desire to breathe freely.

The Problem: Breathing in Poison Every Day

Every winter, Delhi turns into a gas chamber. The Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses 400 in several areas, putting citizens at risk of severe respiratory problems. For families, especially those with children and elderly members, living in such conditions feels like a slow suffocation. While branded air purifiers exist, many are priced above Rs 10,000, making them unaffordable for most middle-class homes.

This is where Rajesh Kumar, a 34-year-old IT professional from East Delhi, decided to find a smarter way out. “When I saw the AQI inside my home was still around 380 even with windows closed, I knew I had to act. I couldn’t just wait for the government or nature to fix it,” Rajesh said.

The Idea: Simple, Affordable, and Smart

Rajesh’s goal was simple — to make clean air accessible without spending a fortune. He began researching basic air filtration principles. He discovered that the core of any air purifier is a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter that traps harmful particles like dust, smoke, and allergens. So, instead of buying an entire purifier, he decided to build one using the filter itself.

“I realized that air purifiers are basically a combination of a HEPA filter and a fan. If I could combine these two correctly, I might get similar results,” he explained. With this in mind, he went to a local electronics market and bought:

• A medium-sized HEPA filter for Rs 1,200

• A pedestal fan for Rs 700

• Some tape, cardboard, and zip ties for about Rs 100

In total, the cost came to around Rs 2,000 — a fraction of what commercial purifiers cost.

The Process: From Experiment to Working Model

Rajesh’s design was simple yet clever. He attached the HEPA filter securely to the back of the pedestal fan using tape and cardboard to ensure that all air passing through the fan first went through the filter. Then he turned it on and let it run in his living room for fifteen minutes.

Before starting, he used a basic air quality monitor to check the AQI — it was an alarming 380. After fifteen minutes of running his DIY purifier, the AQI dropped to below 50. The improvement was visible. The air smelled cleaner, and the haze indoors was gone.

“When I saw the numbers, I couldn’t believe it. I repeated the test twice just to be sure. It worked every single time,” Rajesh said, smiling.

The Science Behind It

The concept is straightforward. A HEPA filter can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97 percent. When air from the room passes through the filter, it removes pollutants like PM2.5, pollen, and even bacteria. By combining it with a powerful fan, Rajesh ensured steady air circulation, pushing filtered air across the room.

Though his DIY purifier doesn’t have advanced sensors or a sleek design like branded models, it delivers results where it matters — clean air at low cost. It’s a brilliant example of how understanding the basics of technology can empower people to solve real-world problems.

Reaction from Neighbors and Online

Soon, word spread in his neighborhood. Friends and neighbors visited Rajesh to see his invention in action. Many were amazed that such a simple setup could clean the air so effectively. Some even asked him to help them build their own versions. Rajesh began hosting small weekend sessions, showing people how to make their own purifiers using everyday materials.

“I’ve built four more for my neighbors. It feels good to help people breathe better,” he said. Photos and short videos of his creation later went viral on social media, where users praised his practical solution. Several people shared their attempts at recreating the purifier, proving how accessible innovation can be.

The Cost and Maintenance

One major reason people hesitate to buy commercial air purifiers is the recurring cost of filter replacement. Rajesh’s DIY design solves that too. The HEPA filter he used can last three to four months with daily use and costs about Rs 1,200 to replace.

To keep it efficient, he vacuums the filter every two weeks and wipes the fan blades regularly. “It hardly takes ten minutes of maintenance a month,” he said. With this, the purifier continues to deliver strong results without any significant recurring expenses.

For families struggling with high pollution levels and low budgets, this approach is not only affordable but also sustainable.

Why This Matters

Rajesh’s story is not just about an air purifier. It’s a story about awareness, creativity, and community spirit. In a city where air pollution claims thousands of lives each year, his idea shows that individuals can make a real difference. While large-scale solutions are necessary, small actions like this can help reduce health risks in the meantime.

Moreover, his DIY approach can inspire educational institutions to include similar hands-on projects in science workshops. It can teach children the value of practical innovation — how to turn knowledge into action.

How You Can Make One Too

If you’re thinking of trying it yourself, it’s surprisingly easy. Here’s a basic guide:

1. Get a good HEPA filter – Choose one that fits the size of your fan.

2. Find a strong fan – A pedestal or box fan works best.

3. Attach the filter – Secure it tightly on the back of the fan using tape or cardboard so air can only pass through the filter.

4. Turn it on – Let it run for 10 to 15 minutes and measure the AQI if you can.

You’ll notice a visible difference in air quality and freshness. Just remember to keep doors and windows closed for maximum effect.

The Bigger Picture

Delhi’s pollution crisis is not going away soon. Crop burning, vehicle emissions, and dust continue to blanket the city in toxic smog every year. But Rajesh’s innovation reminds us that solutions don’t always have to be expensive or complex. Sometimes, it just takes a bit of curiosity and willingness to experiment.

If more citizens adopt such low-cost innovations, it could collectively improve indoor air quality across neighborhoods. It also pressures policymakers to recognize the importance of community-driven solutions in tackling environmental challenges.

A Breath of Hope

In a city gasping for air, Rajesh Kumar’s Rs 2,000 purifier stands as a breath of hope. It proves that clean air should not be a luxury item reserved for the wealthy but a right everyone deserves. His creation not only brings relief to his family but also sparks a movement toward self-reliance and ingenuity.

As pollution continues to rise, his story sends a simple message — when the air turns grey, don’t wait for change. Create it.