NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 08, 2025: Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Nameeta Prasad, inaugurated ‘Breathable Art’ on Wednesday at Swarn Jayanti Park, Rohini. The installation of this art was sponsored by the MoEFCC and support for the same was provided by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The initiative is part of the ‘Breath of Change – Clean Air, Blue Skies’ campaign held under the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) of the Environment Education, Awareness, Research and Skill Development (EEARSD) Scheme.
‘Breathable Art’ is an innovative, living structure — created using air-purifying plants and sustainable materials — which would serve as an interactive public engagement installation to raise awareness on air pollution and promote sustainable urban living. Through QR-code–enabled educational content, visitors can learn about the plants’ physiological features and their role in purifying the air. Ultimately, ‘Breathable Art’ embodies the vision of a greener, more breathable Delhi, where art and nature coexist to remind every citizen that sustainability begins with a single breath.
Given the persistent air quality challenges in Delhi, this installation provides a natural, passive solution while also enhancing urban green spaces. The structure is envisioned to serve as:
- An Educational Hub for students, eco-clubs, and local residents.
- A Community Initiative involving RWAs, schools, colleges, municipal bodies, and volunteers.
- A Strategic Intervention in air pollution hotspots, with long-term maintenance in collaboration with civic bodies and local groups.
Expected outcomes of this installation include increased environmental awareness, wider adoption of eco-friendly lifestyles, and the transformation of urban spaces through nature-based solutions — establishing a flagship model for clean air awareness in Delhi.
The air-purifying plants used in ‘Breathable Art’ include Areca palm, bamboo palm, money plant, snake plant, spider plant, parijat, peace lily, arrowhead, weeping fig, and zigzag plant. These species are known for removing common outdoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene, regulating humidity levels, and improving air quality — especially beneficial during dry winter months when respiratory discomfort is common.
The ‘Breathable Art’ installation stands as a creative and meaningful step toward promoting sustainable urban living and environmental consciousness. By combining the aesthetic appeal of art with the natural air-purifying power of plants, it transforms public spaces into living symbols of ecological balance. This innovative initiative demonstrates how nature-based, participatory solutions can inspire awareness, nurture community involvement, and encourage behavioral change for cleaner air and healthier cities.
