New Delhi, Sep 21 (NationPress) The Delhi government is set to initiate an in-depth study on ‘smog-eating’ photocatalytic coatings that can be applied to roads, concrete, and tiles to mitigate NO2 and harmful hydrocarbons, as announced by Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Sunday.

In a recent directive, Sirsa instructed the Environment Department to develop an action plan aimed at enhancing the city’s defenses against air pollution through technology-based solutions and scientific validation.

“Delhi will assess and implement the most effective photocatalytic technologies, focusing on safety, sustainability, and measurable outcomes to ensure cleaner air in a timely manner,” remarked Sirsa.

“Our battle against pollution is personal — for every child, senior citizen, and worker — and we are deploying straightforward, safe, science-backed tools, monitoring results transparently, and expanding quickly where families can notice improvements in their air quality,” he stated.

Sirsa revealed that the Environment Department will spearhead this initiative with clear, accountable steps: selecting a credible scientific partner within 30 days, conducting field tests on actual city locations, providing monthly updates, and submitting a final report within six months of the Memorandum of Understanding.

The study will emphasize safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, while identifying trustworthy suppliers to allow for rapid scaling if the results are promising.

“Should the study validate the efficacy and cost-efficiency of these ‘smog-eating’ surfaces, the Department will propose a Cabinet initiative for swift, citywide implementation at key areas such as busy corridors, markets, and public spaces, aiming for visible, community-centered improvements in air quality,” added the Minister.

The Environment Department has been granted the authority to incorporate any practical measures necessary to ensure smooth execution and timely results, keeping citizens at the forefront of every decision.

Furthermore, the Minister mentioned that the Innovators’ Challenge has become a vital source of community-driven solutions. “From day one, this administration has supported innovation to find real, actionable solutions to pollution — underpinned by science, tested in our neighborhoods, and scaled for the public,” Sirsa remarked.

He noted significant participation from students, startups, and experts in the Challenge, with the Environment Department actively shortlisting proposals for expedited pilots and evaluations. “Bring your best ideas — Delhi will assess them, fund successful initiatives, and implement them citywide so every family can breathe easier,” he concluded.