The most populous country in the world is India, with approximately 1.42 billion people. Delhi, the capital of India, is home to 21.88 million people. With such a large population, the country has been facing an air pollution crisis for years. A 2016 study found that 13 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities were in India, exposing more than 140 million people to air quality levels 10 times over the safe limit advised by the World Health Organization. This crisis is the fifth leading cause of death in India, contributing to the premature deaths of an estimated 2 million people annually.

The government of India has established a comprehensive list of regulations to help control and reduce air pollution. For example, in November 2017, Delhi implemented the Odd-Even Rule, which determined which days vehicles could be used based on whether their license plates ended in an odd or even number. However, pollution levels have continued to rise, with Delhi’s current Air Quality Index (AQI) rated around 270. Since taking office as Minister of Environment in 2015, Gopal Rai has worked tirelessly to find strategies to improve Delhi’s AQI. Now, with more advanced technology, Minister Rai is hopeful that the city will be on the path to a cleaner future.

In September 2024, Minister Rai revealed the government’s new 21-point Winter Action Plan. The plan will include the continuation of vehicle rationing, the implementation of artificial rain simulators, an anti-dust initiative, and the utilization of drone technology. “This year, our theme is ‘Mil Kar Chalein, Pradushan Se Ladein’ (united we shall fight pollution), and for that, we need public participation,” Minister Rai said. “For the first time, drones will monitor air quality at Delhi’s pollution hotspots, and an STF, comprising six members, will ensure the enforcement of pollution control measures.” On Friday, October 25, 2024, authorities tested the drone monitoring program at Wazirpur, one of 13 pollution hotspots in Delhi.

Flying the drones at a height of less than 400 feet across a radius of approximately 650 feet, sensors on the drones collected air quality data. This data will then be analyzed by two different agencies for redundancy. Based on the collected data, Minister Rai says they should be able to better determine what is causing these locations to become pollution hotspots, such as illegal waste burning or factories failing to comply with regulations. Prior to this program, air quality measurements were taken manually. Not only did the manual procedure take too long to be effective, but the results were often inaccurate due to height limitations.

“Deploying drones helps us understand how pollutants spread and allows us to pinpoint critical hotspots such as unauthorized factories or construction sites breaking pollution norms,” Minister Rai stated. “The data gathered via drones will accurately identify pollution sources, enabling focused and effective action.” Once the results of the drone data are analyzed, Minister Rai plans to use the drones to monitor the rest of the city’s hotspots. The drones will be used repeatedly to gather the most in-depth data possible.

Minister Rai pointed out that they are beginning this 21-point Winter Action Plan to help alleviate the stress placed on the people of Delhi leading up to the Diwali celebrations. With the increase in crowds comes an increase in air pollution, which has proven detrimental over the past few Diwali celebrations. This should be a time of joy, not a time of suffering because of pollution. But with vigilance from the community, government officials, and advanced technology like drones, Minister Rai foresees a positive change. “The goal is to maximize the use of modern technology to combat pollution effectively,” he said.

As Delhi prepares for another Diwali, the government’s proactive measures and the innovative use of technology signal a commitment to tackling the air pollution crisis head-on. By fostering community involvement and leveraging advanced drone monitoring techniques, India can pave the way for a healthier future. The collaboration between citizens and officials, alongside the ambitious 21-point Winter Action Plan, holds promise for cleaner air and a more sustainable environment. With drone technology, Minister Rai is determined to see Delhi not only revel in the festival of lights but to breathe in safe air all year round.

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