Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday undertook an inspection of three advanced Made-in-India pollution-control technologies currently undergoing pilot testing in the national capital. This initiative forms part of the city government’s intensified efforts to combat air pollution through the implementation of innovation-driven solutions and a commitment to year-round monitoring.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Chief Minister, accompanied by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, reviewed the efficacy of a filter-free roadside air purifier system, an electric vehicle-mounted anti-smog gun, and a vehicular emission control device. These technologies were examined at various locations across West Delhi, with officials indicating that the pilot projects are designed to significantly reduce levels of dust, smoke, PM2.5, PM10, and other detrimental atmospheric pollutants.
During her site visit on Rama Road, Chief Minister Gupta closely examined the STR-101 filter-free air purifier system. A total of 21 units of this system have been installed along the central verge, mounted on electricity poles. According to official statements, this system possesses the capacity to purify approximately three lakh litres of air every hour. Its design is specifically engineered to mitigate particulate matter, smoke, and hazardous gases, including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that the approach to pollution control in Delhi must transcend seasonal limitations, moving beyond a focus solely on the winter months. She stated, “The fight against pollution will continue all 365 days of the year.” She further elaborated that the government’s strategy prioritizes scientific research, innovation, and the development of indigenous technologies, complementing existing conventional anti-pollution measures.
Further details provided by officials revealed that the STR-101 system utilizes high-frequency chip technology to neutralize bacteria and viruses. It is also equipped with Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled features for live monitoring. Notably, the device is designed to be self-cleaning, requires no filters, and demands minimal maintenance.
The Chief Minister also inspected India’s inaugural EV-mounted anti-smog gun, which was deployed on the Kirti Nagar-Mayapuri stretch. This mobile system operates with zero emissions and functions by spraying ultra-fine water droplets to effectively settle airborne dust particles and pollutants. Officials explained that the system incorporates real-time PM sensors and IoT-based controls, allowing it to optimize water and energy consumption in response to prevailing air quality conditions.
Another innovative technology evaluated by the Chief Minister was the PAWAN III roadside pollution-control device, installed near the Kirti Nagar Fire Station. This system has been developed with the objective of capturing vehicular emissions at their source. It employs a high-capacity suction mechanism to draw in pollutants before releasing purified air back into the environment after undergoing a multi-stage purification process.
Officials indicated that preliminary field trials conducted in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, using similar technology, demonstrated a reduction in particulate pollution levels of approximately 29 per cent. This result suggests the potential efficacy of such localized emission control solutions.
Chief Minister Gupta highlighted that these inspected technologies are among a selection of innovations that emerged from the Delhi government’s “Innovation Challenge.” This challenge invited startups and innovators from across the nation to present their proposed solutions for pollution control. The projects were subsequently evaluated by experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi prior to their selection for pilot implementation.
Environment Minister Sirsa stated that the technologies will undergo continued testing over the ensuing two to two-and-a-half months. This phase of evaluation will be conducted under the supervision of the National Physical Laboratory and the International Centre for Automotive Technology. Technologies that successfully meet the defined scientific performance standards may subsequently be considered for large-scale deployment across the capital.
Simultaneously, officials confirmed that the government is actively pursuing a comprehensive array of pollution-control measures. These include strategies for dust suppression, the reduction of vehicular emissions, the expansion of public transportation networks, and extensive plantation drives, all integrated into a broader strategic framework aimed at enhancing Delhi’s overall air quality.
The Chenab Times News Desk