Delhi govt to deploy 3 mist spray drones to combat dust pollution

The drones will complement other measures, such as sprinklers and anti-smog guns, as part of a multipronged approach to reduce particulate matter in the air.

Delhi Government is preparing to set a classic example of using technology for smart governance. According to the officials, the Delhi government is going to hire three mist spray drones to combat dust pollution in hotspot areas as well as gather real-time data on major pollutants. 

These drones are equipped to spray water across various high-dust areas, such as construction zones and traffic-heavy regions, to help settle dust particles and improve air quality. These drones would be deployed across 13 identified pollution hotspots to spray water and improve air quality.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the city’s persistent air pollution challenges, especially as dust is a significant contributor to Delhi's poor air quality. By using drones, the government aims to achieve efficient and targeted dust control. This will help in settling dust particles, reducing particulate matter concentrations and mitigating the adverse effects of air pollution on public health and the environment.

The Delhi government’s drones will operate along pre-programmed routes to cover highly polluted areas comprehensively, with built-in environmental sensors for real-time monitoring. These sensors will measure various air quality parameters, including temperature, humidity, ozone, PM10, and PM2.5, sending data to a central system. The collected data and images will be transmitted live to the Environment Department, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee’s Air Lab, and the Green War Room for assessment, allowing for a coordinated, data-driven response to dust pollution.

The Delhi government has initiated the process of hiring a vendor to operate three drones for a 15-day trial in pollution hotspot areas. Officials noted that, while this pilot phase is planned for two weeks, both the trial period and the number of drones could be extended if the initial results are promising. The trial aims to assess the effectiveness of drone-based mist-spraying in controlling dust pollution across the city.