Delhi Government Tests Drone-Based Mist Spraying to Combat Air Pollution

*New Delhi*: In a pioneering effort to tackle air pollution, the Delhi government conducted a demonstration of drone-based mist spraying at Anand Vihar on Wednesday. The initiative, led by Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai, aims to address rising pollution levels, specifically targeting particulate matter and other harmful pollutants across the city’s hotspots.“To control pollution at major hotspots, we are currently deploying 200 mobile anti-smog guns,” Minister Gopal Rai said. “In areas where trucks mounted with anti-smog guns cannot reach, drones will be utilized to spray water. Today’s demonstration at Anand Vihar is a first step toward implementing this technology more widely,” he added.Each drone demonstrated has a water-carrying capacity of 15 liters, enabling it to spray mist over areas that are typically inaccessible to larger vehicles. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has floated a tender for three drones to be used at different pollution hotspots throughout the city. The initial results from these drones will help determine their effectiveness in reducing airborne particulate matter. Based on the impact report, the Delhi government will decide on expanding the deployment of drones across the capital.Air quality remains a critical issue in Delhi, especially as the winter months exacerbate pollution levels. The city administration has been ramping up efforts to tackle this issue with various measures, including anti-smog guns, water sprinkling on roads, and now drone-based mist spraying.