Delhi is set to collaborate with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to develop an AI-enabled decision support system aimed at monitoring air pollution in real time and accurately identifying its sources. The proposed initiative marks a shift away from broad, citywide restrictions toward more precise, data-led interventions that target pollution hotspots and specific contributors, officials said.
The move reflects the Delhi government’s intent to bring scientific rigour and technological depth to its air quality management strategy. By leveraging artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and hyperlocal monitoring, authorities hope to better understand when, where, and why pollution levels spike—enabling faster and more effective responses.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the initiative represents a fundamental change in how the capital approaches air pollution. “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi’s fight against pollution is being made scientific, sustained and strategic. Decisions will be driven by real-time data, source identification and measurable outcomes, rather than emergency responses.”
Currently, pollution control measures in Delhi are often reactive, triggered during peak smog episodes through blanket curbs on construction, traffic, and industrial activity. Officials believe the proposed AI-powered platform will help authorities move beyond such episodic responses by offering continuous insights into pollution patterns and their underlying causes.
The system is expected to integrate data from multiple sources, including air quality sensors, weather models, traffic flows, industrial emissions, and satellite inputs. Advanced algorithms would then analyse this data to attribute pollution to specific sources—such as vehicular congestion, construction dust, industrial emissions, or biomass burning—at a hyperlocal level.
Highlighting the need for long-term planning, Sirsa emphasised that pollution management must extend beyond winter months. “Pollution control cannot be seasonal. Delhi needs a 365-day action framework that integrates technology, governance and enforcement, backed by data-driven decision-making.”
Officials say such a framework would allow enforcement agencies to deploy targeted measures throughout the year, improving compliance and reducing the economic and social disruption caused by sweeping restrictions. It could also help policymakers track the effectiveness of interventions over time and recalibrate strategies based on measurable outcomes.
The proposed partnership with IIT Kanpur, known for its expertise in engineering, data science, and environmental research, is expected to play a key role in designing and validating the system. If implemented successfully, the initiative could serve as a model for other Indian cities grappling with chronic air pollution challenges, demonstrating how AI and real-time data can support smarter urban governance.
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