33 possible air pollution solutions enter trial phase amid challenge from Delhi govt

New Delhi: Around 33 prototypes shortlisted for ‘Innovation Challenge’ launched by Delhi government to find air solutions pollute According to officials familiar with the matter, the issue will enter the second phase of the trial.These include solar pole dust collectors, filterless soot carbon capture devices, electrostatic sprayers, smart dust suppression and monitoring system models, and retrofitted vehicle air purifiers to improve vehicle emissions quality.

These innovative technologies were shortlisted from a large number of applications and were showcased as part of an exhibition at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in January this year. The challenge was launched by the Delhi government to find practical solutions to the city’s air pollution issues.“The innovation challenge is now ready to move to the second phase where trials will begin and the government will provide all necessary infrastructure required for the trials,” an official said. The trial is expected to begin in the first week of May and could be completed within the next three months, the official added.An eight-member expert committee led by IIT professor Sagnik Dey will review the proposals to identify the most practical and cost-effective solutions to air pollution. Likewise, the innovations finalized will be adopted and implemented by the Delhi government.Another official told PTI that a meeting will be held on Monday to finalize the outline of the trial proceedings and the arrangements required for the trial proceedings.“The current plan is to move forward with trials of all 33 innovations. As we progress, we will begin to screen for the most efficient technologies,” the official said.Winning projects will also be eligible for incentives from the Delhi Pollution Control Board, including an award of Rs 5 lakh upon successful evaluation by an expert committee and up to Rs 50 lakh for solutions verified by an equivalent laboratory of the National Physical Laboratory and recommended for adoption by the government, as per the guidelines.