Ahead of winter, as the pollution level is at peak in the national capital, the Delhi government has stepped up efforts to protect residents’ health.
In this context, Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has directed the Environment Department to conduct a focused study on “smog‑eating” photocatalytic coatings to reduce NO2 and other harmful hydrocarbons, a press statement from the department noted on Sunday.
Such films, if found effective, will be applied on roads and concrete and tiles to curb the pollutants released from the vehicular exhaust.
Highlighting the government’s focus on clean-energy solutions, the environment minister said Delhi would evaluate and adopt the best proven photocatalytic technologies, with priority on safety, sustainability, and measurable impact to deliver cleaner air faster. “Delhi’s fight against pollution is personal — for every child, every senior, every worker — we are putting simple, safe, science‑based tools on the ground, measuring results openly, and scaling up quickly wherever families can feel the difference in the air they breathe and in their lives,” added Sirsa.
The minister said a research partner would be selected within 30 days, with the study to conclude in six months of signing an MoU. During this period, field trials will be carried out on city stretches, supported by monthly progress reports. The study will also hunt for credible suppliers for swift adoption and scale-up, if the results are promising, sustainable and cost-effective.
“If the study confirms that these “smog‑eating” surfaces are effective and cost‑efficient, the Department will move a Cabinet proposal for rapid, citywide deployment at priority locations such as busy corridors, markets and public spaces to deliver visible, people‑first gains in air quality,” he added.