Delhi's Rs 50 Lakh Clean Air Innovation Challenge: Seeking Affordable Solutions for PM2.5 and PM10 Reduction

The Delhi government has launched an unprecedented Innovation Challenge seeking affordable technologies to combat particulate pollution. This initiative aims to find practical solutions that can reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels from roads, vehicles, and construction sites across the city.

Under the leadership of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), this citywide search focuses on identifying deployable, cost-effective solutions ranging from dust-suppressing road coatings to exhaust capture mechanisms that can function effectively in Delhi's specific environmental conditions.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasized the practical nature of the challenge, stating that Delhi is welcoming any effective solutions. "We're looking for technologies that demonstrate real-world effectiveness on roads or at construction and industrial locations. Solutions that significantly reduce PM2.5 or PM10, are simple to implement, and remain affordable will receive our support," he explained.

The evaluation process comprises three distinct stages: initial screening by DPCC, expert-conducted field or laboratory trials, and final validation from national laboratories such as NPL. Innovations that advance to the completion of Stage-2 trials will receive Rs 5 lakh, while fully validated technologies could earn up to Rs 50 lakh along with opportunities for widespread implementation.

Sirsa noted that while Delhi has experienced "the highest number of clean-air days in a decade," the ultimate objective is for "every day to be a clean-air day." He added that regulatory enforcement alone is insufficient, describing the initiative as a "24x7 innovation mission."

The challenge welcomes applications from individuals, startups, IITs, research institutions, and companies throughout India until October 31, 2025. Interested parties can apply through the official website www.dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in

"We're committed to rapidly transforming effective prototypes into public benefits, particularly in areas where pollution relief is most critical. Any solution that reduces particulate matter, fits within Delhi's budget constraints, and offers straightforward installation will be considered for expansion from trial phase to citywide implementation," Sirsa concluded.