Delhi Mandates Anti-Smog Guns on All High-Rise Buildings by November 29
The Delhi government has ordered all government and private buildings taller than five floors to install anti-smog guns by November 29 to combat winter air pollution. The directive applies to commercial complexes, malls, hotels, and educational institutions with a built-up area over 3,000 square metres, but exempts residential properties. The number of required guns will scale with the building's size. This policy aims to mitigate high levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter ahead of the peak pollution season.
Unpacked:
Anti-smog guns spray a fine mist of water into the air, which binds with airborne particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), causing these particles to settle out of the air and temporarily reduce local dust pollution. They are typically mounted on rooftops or parapets and operate intermittently during peak pollution hours.
There is currently no thorough scientific analysis proving the long-term effectiveness of anti-smog guns. Experts suggest any benefits are likely brief and localized, with significant impact limited to emergency or high-dust situations. Widespread, lasting improvements to citywide air quality have not been documented.
The mandate targets commercial, institutional, and large public buildings because they are major sources or accumulators of dust and pollution, especially during construction or heavy use. Residential properties, including societies and complexes, are exempt, possibly due to lower pollution generation and practical challenges of widespread installation.
Delhi’s government acted after alarming 2024 air quality data: annual average PM10 and PM2.5 levels far exceeded national limits, with many days of ‘poor’ or ‘severe’ air quality. The policy aims to reduce particulate pollution ahead of winter, when meteorological conditions worsen air quality.