Delhi Metro Deploys Anti-Smog Guns and Mist Systems to Combat Pollution
Delhi Metro introduces anti-smog guns and mist spray systems to combat air pollution at stations.
Photo by Chris LeBoutillier
Here's the key point: Delhi Metro is stepping up its fight against air pollution by deploying anti-smog guns and mist spray systems at its stations and depots. This initiative aims to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air, especially during the winter months when Delhi's air quality often deteriorates to 'severe' levels. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has already installed 14 anti-smog guns and 33 mist spray systems, with plans for more.
Why does this matter? This is a concrete example of an urban infrastructure body taking proactive measures to address a major environmental and public health crisis. For UPSC, this highlights innovative solutions for urban pollution, the role of public agencies in environmental management, and the broader challenge of air quality in Indian cities, relevant for GS3 (Environment & Ecology) and GS2 (Governance).
Key Facts
Delhi Metro deploying anti-smog guns and mist spray systems
Aims to combat air pollution (PM2.5 and PM10)
14 anti-smog guns and 33 mist spray systems already installed
DMRC plans to install more systems
Systems are operational at depots and construction sites
UPSC Exam Angles
Urban environmental governance and the role of public sector undertakings (PSUs)
Technological solutions for air pollution control and their efficacy
Challenges of air quality management in megacities
Inter-sectoral cooperation for environmental sustainability (e.g., transport sector's role)
Public health implications of air pollution
Visual Insights
Delhi's Air Quality Challenge & DMRC's Proactive Measures
This map highlights Delhi as a major urban center grappling with severe air pollution, especially during winter. It contextualizes DMRC's deployment of anti-smog guns and mist systems as a localized effort to mitigate particulate matter.
Loading interactive map...
Delhi's Air Quality & DMRC's Anti-Pollution Deployment (Jan 2026)
A snapshot of Delhi's typical winter air quality and the scale of Delhi Metro's current anti-pollution infrastructure deployment.
- Average PM2.5 (Jan 2026, Delhi)
- 350 µg/m³N/A
- Average AQI (Jan 2026, Delhi)
- 450N/A
- Anti-Smog Guns Deployed by DMRC
- 14+4 (since 2025)
- Mist Spray Systems Deployed by DMRC
- 33+8 (since 2025)
Represents 'Severe' air quality, significantly exceeding safe limits (WHO guideline: 5 µg/m³ annual mean). Critical for public health.
Falls into the 'Severe' category (401-500), indicating serious health impacts for all.
Direct measure by an urban infrastructure body to suppress dust and particulate matter at construction sites and depots.
Similar to anti-smog guns, these systems help in localized dust suppression, particularly effective in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding air pollution control measures in Delhi: 1. Anti-smog guns primarily work by spraying atomized water droplets to bind with and settle down particulate matter. 2. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) across all major Indian cities. 3. Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is considered more harmful than PM10 because of its ability to penetrate deeper into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. Anti-smog guns create a fine mist of water droplets that attach to airborne dust and particulate matter, making them heavier and causing them to fall to the ground. Statement 2 is incorrect. GRAP is implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas, not by CPCB across all major Indian cities. While CPCB plays a role in monitoring, CAQM is the implementing body for GRAP in NCR. Statement 3 is correct. PM2.5 particles are smaller than PM10, allowing them to travel deeper into the respiratory tract and even enter the bloodstream, posing greater health risks.
2. In the context of urban air pollution in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- A.The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to achieve a 20% to 30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, with 2017 as the base year.
- B.Stubble burning in agricultural areas surrounding Delhi is a significant contributor to winter air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
- C.The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, provides for the establishment of Central and State Pollution Control Boards to implement its provisions.
- D.All major Indian cities are mandated to have a real-time Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM) station under the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement A is correct. NCAP aims for a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, with 2017 as the base year. Statement B is correct. Stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh is a well-documented major contributor to air pollution in NCR during post-monsoon and winter months. Statement C is correct. The Air Act of 1981 is the primary legislation for air pollution control and mandates the establishment of CPCB and SPCBs. Statement D is NOT correct. While NAMP aims to cover major urban and industrial areas, it is not mandated for *all* major Indian cities to have real-time AAQM stations. Many cities still rely on manual monitoring or have limited real-time stations, and the network is continuously expanding but not yet universal for 'all major cities' in a real-time capacity.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas: 1. It is a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament. 2. It has the power to issue directions to state governments in the NCR regarding air pollution control. 3. Its jurisdiction extends to the entire National Capital Region (NCR) and includes areas in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct. CAQM was established by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, making it a statutory body. Statement 2 is correct. The CAQM has overriding powers over other bodies like the CPCB and SPCBs in matters of air pollution in the NCR and can issue directions to state governments. Statement 3 is incorrect. While its jurisdiction covers the NCR and adjoining areas in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, it *does not* include Punjab. Stubble burning in Punjab is a major issue, but CAQM's direct regulatory jurisdiction does not extend to the entire state of Punjab, only to areas adjoining the NCR.
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Source Articles
Anti-smog guns, mist spray systems installed at Metro stations in Delhi | Delhi News - The Indian Express
How effective are anti-smog guns in Delhi? Here’s what experts have to say | Explained News - The Indian Express
What is anti-smog gun? | What Is News - The Indian Express
Install mist sprays on electric poles in Delhi’s pollution hotspots: Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa | Delhi News - The Indian Express