New Delhi, Oct 26 (NationPress) The Delhi government has transformed its Innovation Challenge aimed at improving air quality into a national initiative, having received 48 submissions to date—30 from the Delhi-NCR region and 18 from various states. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Sunday that the deadline for proposal submissions has been extended from October 31 to November 15.

Proposals have been received from several states in the South, East, and West, including regions like Telangana, Kerala, Pune, Mumbai, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Punjab.

Sirsa revealed that approximately 68 percent of the proposals focus on enhancing air quality in the city, while 32 percent target the reduction of polluting vehicles on Delhi's roads.

Updates published on Manthan.GOV.IN, India's leading scientific idea portal, signify this project’s national importance, he stated.

Sirsa praised the variety of submissions, saying, "We are collaborating with top experts to find genuine solutions. Young innovators from both small towns and large cities, startups, and research teams have participated. This demonstrates how teamwork and science can foster real change."

In an effort to support all participants, the department has committed to responding to all inquiries within six hours, showcasing a remarkable response rate.

In light of the high interest and numerous requests, the submission deadline has now been pushed to November 15, from its original date of October 31.

"The key is participation. Extending the deadline allows everyone to contribute, test, and present their solutions—Delhi's air is a collective concern, making every idea significant," added Sirsa.

The Challenge invites participants to propose user-friendly, cost-effective solutions to mitigate PM2.5 and PM10 emissions from vehicles and enhance the city’s air quality.

The evaluation process will comprise three stages: Stage 1 involves an initial digital screening by the DPCC; Stage 2 includes expert reviews and trials, with Rs 5 lakh awarded to shortlisted teams; and Stage 3 focuses on verification by national labs (NPL), offering Rs 50 lakh for the winners whose solutions are adopted citywide.

An expert technical committee has been established to review applications and uphold the highest scientific standards, according to Sirsa.

“For the first time, Delhi is crowd-sourcing ideas on a national scale—not merely discussing air quality but actively implementing solutions around the clock, across every neighborhood,” the minister stated.

“This is Delhi’s dedicated fight for clean air—leveraging science, public support, and honest teamwork. The entire nation is rallying behind us. We aim to set a benchmark for every state, city, and even the world,” he concluded.