Delhi Govt signs MoU with IIT Madras to combat air pollution

The Government of NCT of Delhi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Madras to conduct a pilot study on the effectiveness of photocatalytic “smog eating” surfaces aimed at reducing air pollution in the national capital. The project will examine the use of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) based materials that can break down pollutants such as Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which contribute significantly to urban smog.

The initiative was undertaken under the leadership of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Department of Environment and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, along with Somnath Roy from IIT Madras’s Department of Physics, who will serve as the principal investigator for the study.

“It is essential to find innovative scientific solutions for cleaning Delhi’s air, and our government is diligently supporting innovators through such initiatives,” said Minister Sirsa.

“Through this IIT Madras study, we aim to find the best, long lasting, and affordable ways to put ‘smog eating’ coatings on roads, buildings, and city surfaces. It can work in our favour if the study can provide evidence based findings that such coatings or materials can cut NO2 & other pollutants,” Sirsa added. Sirsa further added, “Delhi’s population is growing with urbanisation from nearby areas.

Our focus remains on achieving cleaner air for the people, without blanket bans. Therefore, we must use science to shield our air, to protect our weather and health without halting this vital growth.”

The six-month study will begin with laboratory testing in a specialised smog chamber at IIT Madras to measure the pollutant reduction capability of photocatalytic materials. This will be followed by field trials in Delhi where the materials may be applied to roads, pavements, buildings, and metal or glass surfaces to assess their performance in real urban conditions.

“We are working diligently to support innovators, as seen in our innovation challenge that has now reached its trial run phase, this study exemplifies that commitment,” Sirsa highlighted.

Somnath Roy explained the scientific approach behind the study. “The study will begin with lab testing in a smog chamber at IIT Madras to precisely measure pollutant abatement. Following this, our team will conduct real time field assessments in Delhi’s urban environment on surfaces like concrete, asphalt, metal panels, glass, and roads to evaluate durability and efficiency under actual conditions.”

The project will also explore the possibility of installing photocatalytic panels made with Titanium Dioxide based materials on rooftops or street light poles, similar to solar panels, to help remove pollutants directly from ambient air.

“Delhi demands bold, innovative scientific solutions to tackle air pollution, this collaboration with IIT Madras will deliver actionable insights for cleaner air across our city,” Sirsa reiterated.