As Delhi battled toxic air, ministries bought more and more air purifiers

Air purifiers can cost up to nearly $1,000 and are too expensive for most Indians

India's government has stepped up the purchase of air purifiers over the last two years, taking the number of devices in ministries to protect against deteriorating air quality to nearly 300, government data seen by Reuters showed.

Six federal ministries - including the health, foreign and home affairs - bought at least 159 air purifiers during 2018-2019 at a cost of 5 million rupees ($70,353), according to previously unpublished data obtained under a Right to Information (RTI) law.

That compares with at least 140 air purifiers bought for $55,000 during 2014-2017 for the six ministries and Modi's office, as previously reported by