Drone mist-spraying pilot project faces setback over high costs, limited results

New Delhi: A pilot project that involves the use of drones to spray mist at pollution hotspots has not been approved over the high cost and lack of measurable results, an official has said.

           The technology was proposed as part of Delhi’s 21-point Winter Action Plan to combat worsening air quality. Officials have deemed the project costly and ineffective, stating it has failed to deliver significant, measurable improvements.

          On November 8, a demonstration of the project was conducted at Anand Vihar, one of Delhi’s most polluted areas.

           During the demonstration, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai highlighted challenges posed by hotspots, such as narrow roads or congested areas where traditional modes of transport, such as trucks, cannot reach.

           He added that if the trial proved successful, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) might consider procuring more drones for widespread deployment.