In a bid to combat the air pollution crisis, Delhi’s government has turned to technology through its Winter Action Plan. Measures include using drones, artificial rain, anti-smog guns, and dust suppression techniques. However, critics argue these strategies offer only temporary relief and fail to address the root causes of pollution.
One of the more ambitious proposals involves cloud seeding, a method that injects chemicals like silver iodide into clouds to induce rainfall. This technique aims to wash pollutants out of the air. However, its success depends on specific weather conditions such as humidity and cloud properties.
Even if conditions are ideal, rain may fall outside targeted areas, making the approach unreliable. Additionally, cloud seeding is expensive and offers only short-term benefits. Pollution from vehicles and industries would quickly return after any temporary improvement.
Dust Suppression and Drones
Another strategy under trial involves drones equipped to spray mist over pollution hotspots. These drones carry water to suppress dust particles, another significant contributor to PM2.5 levels. While this may reduce visible dust, experts argue it does not address pollution from larger sources like vehicles, industries, and construction activities. Dust suppression techniques, often effective in mining areas, may not scale well for a sprawling urban area like Delhi.
Authorities have also used drones to monitor pollution hotspots, which can help identify problem areas. However, these findings require follow-up actions, such as rerouting traffic or shutting down polluting activities, to create meaningful impact.
Addressing the Root Causes
Experts stress the importance of long-term solutions that focus on systemic changes. Vehicles remain the largest contributors to Delhi’s air pollution. Improving public transportation, making it affordable and accessible, could reduce reliance on private cars. Better infrastructure for cycling and walking could further lower emissions.
Emergency measures, like Delhi’s Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), are useful for immediate relief. During severe pollution spikes, GRAP restricts construction, bans certain vehicles, and closes schools.
However, enforcement has been inconsistent, undermining its effectiveness. Industrial emissions and thermal power plants, which contribute significantly to pollution, remain underregulated. Without stringent monitoring and enforcement, these measures provide limited relief.
The Role of Satellites and Regional Coordination
Pollution in Delhi is not confined to the city itself. Satellite images reveal a thick smog blanket covering the Indo-Gangetic Plain, spanning northern India and Pakistan. Around 70% of Delhi’s pollution originates from neighboring states, making local solutions insufficient. Regional collaboration is essential for effective action.
It has the capability to track, via satellite technology, pollutants that cross borders and pinpoint very high-emission sources like industries and vehicles. The air quality forecast could be expanded up to 10 days to allow more time for pre-emptive measures by the authorities. But while data is key, experts note that what’s important is how regulatory agencies will act on it.
Moving Forward
Tackling Delhi’s air pollution requires political will, regulatory enforcement, and regional cooperation. The National Clean Air Programme offers a framework for action but lacks robust implementation. Rising energy demands, urbanization, and industrial growth will worsen air quality unless polluting sectors are regulated more effectively.
Experts say solutions lie in promoting clean energy, imposing stricter vehicle emission standards, among others. What is still lacking is any serious attempt at implementing those solutions to give the residents of Delhi a healthier future.
