Drone sprinklers, outdoor purifiers part of Delhi govt’s pollution control efforts

The Delhi government is actively exploring new technologies such as drone mist sprinklers, outdoor air purifiers and real-time air quality monitors to tackle the problem of air pollution in the Capital, officials said Sunday.

According to the officials, rigorous pollution control strategies have led to a continuous improvement in air quality, with today’s Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 138 in the national capital — an improvement from 153 yesterday and a significant enhancement from 189 on the same day last year i.e March 30, 2024.

“Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has seen demonstrations of firms specialising in air pollution mitigation,” the official said.

The solutions included innovative technologies such as drone mist sprinklers, outdoor air purifiers, and the installation of air quality monitoring stations across Delhi.

“These solutions are being deployed in areas identified as high-priority pollution hotspots to maximize their effectiveness in air quality improvement,” Sirsa said.

He informed that pole sprinklers are being installed in the New Delhi area as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance dust control measures. These technological interventions will further strengthen pollution mitigation efforts in the city.

Notably, the Delhi Government’s Action Plan 2025 includes key initiatives such as the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure, strengthening of public transport with electric buses and metro connectivity, and stricter vehicular emission controls.

Dust control measures such as the mandatory use of anti-smog guns and mechanized road sweeping are being enforced, while industrial pollution will be tackled through cleaner production techniques and decentralised waste processing.

Additionally, large-scale afforestation efforts, vertical gardens, and green rooftops are being promoted to enhance urban greenery.

As per the official, real-time air quality monitoring stations, AI-based pollution prediction models, and early warning systems are also being explored to enable swift interventions.

“Unlike previous administrations that only made plans on paper, the current government is taking concrete action,” Sirsa said.