Delhi: Govt tests drone-based mist spraying to combat pollution

In an effort to tackle the increasing air pollution in Delhi, the city government carried out a trial of ‘drone-based mist spraying’ at Anand Vihar on Friday, a known hotspot for pollution.

During the demonstration, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai noted that pollution levels in these hotspots exceed the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI).

“This demonstration at Anand Vihar, a well-known pollution hotspot, is aimed at tackling this issue,” Rai stated.

Currently, over 200 anti-smog guns are deployed across Delhi, spraying water along roads to help reduce airborne dust, the minister mentioned.

“However, areas with narrow roads or congested spaces where trucks cannot access are challenging. Drones could prove effective in such cases,” he said.

Rai further explained that if the trial proves successful, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) might look into acquiring more drones for wider use.

Also Read: Delhi’s green war room: Revolutionising air quality management with 88% complaint resolution

“If today’s trial yields positive results, we will move forward with formal tenders to procure additional drones,” Rai added.

Delhi’s air quality continues to worsen, with more than 15 monitoring stations currently recording AQI levels in the “severe” category.

AQI classifications range from 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), to 401-500 (severe).

(With inputs from PTI)