In a groundbreaking initiative, Delhi’s environment department will deploy drones to monitor air pollution levels across 13 major hotspots in the capital, as part of the newly unveiled 2024 Winter Action Plan. Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced this innovative approach on Wednesday, emphasizing its importance in combating the city’s air quality crisis.
The deployment of one or two drones at each hotspot marks the first time drones will be utilized for pollution monitoring in Delhi. This initiative aims to provide real-time data on pollution sources, allowing for swift interventions and precise mitigation measures. An official from the environment department shared with PTI that the tender process for acquiring the drones is expected to be finalized in the upcoming week.
“We are in the final stages of releasing the tender for drones, and once completed, they will be deployed for hotspot monitoring,” the official stated. The drones will be assigned to the 13 identified hotspots, some of the city’s most polluted areas, based on specific requirements and needs. These locations have been prioritized for intensified monitoring and intervention as part of the city’s broader strategy to improve air quality.
The drone initiative is one of 21 key points outlined in the Winter Action Plan, which also includes measures such as anti-dust campaigns, increased road cleaning, water sprinkling, and strategies to curb stubble burning. Minister Rai highlighted the critical role of drones in enhancing the effectiveness of pollution control efforts. “For the first time, drones will be used to monitor pollution hotspots in real-time. Previously identified sources will now be tackled with greater precision,” he stated.
Last year, pollution hotspots were monitored manually, but the introduction of drones is expected to significantly improve the accuracy and speed of data collection. “The drones will identify sources of pollution, such as construction dust or vehicular emissions, and actions will be taken based on this data,” Rai explained.
Sources By Agencies
