GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th May: In a bold step to breathe life back into Delhi’s polluted air, the city government has made it compulsory for all large commercial, institutional, and hospitality buildings to install anti-smog guns. These mist-spraying machines—once seen only at select sites—will now become a common feature on the city’s towering structures.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the move is part of a wider push to clean the capital’s air and offer residents some respite during the smog-heavy winter season. “We want Delhiites to truly feel the difference this year,” Sirsa said, adding that the government is committed to taking action on every front.
How Many Guns Does a Building Need?
The number of anti-smog guns depends on how big the building is:
- 3 guns for buildings under 10,000 sq. metres
- 4–6 guns as size increases up to 25,000 sq. metres
- Beyond that, one additional gun is needed for every extra 5,000 sq. metres
The new rule applies to buildings that are five storeys or taller, with a minimum built-up area of 3,000 sq. metres. This includes malls, offices, colleges, and hotels.
Not Just a Rule—A Deadline
Authorities have given building owners six months to comply. Local bodies will oversee the process, while the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will monitor air quality to see if the guns are making a difference. Quarterly compliance reports and names of violators must be submitted to the environment department.
What Are These Guns and How Do They Work?
Anti-smog guns shoot a fine mist of treated water into the air to trap and settle dust particles—known as PM2.5 and PM10—that often spike in Delhi’s winter months. Mounted directly on rooftops, the guns can spray water up to 100 metres, using around 1,200 litres an hour. They’re to be run intermittently during peak smog hours like early morning and late night.
Each installation will also come equipped with air quality monitoring systems and must meet noise-level standards. The government has strictly stated that residential buildings and societies are exempt from the order.
A Timely Move?
Delhi’s air quality between October 2024 and January 2025 paints a worrying picture:
- 14 days of “severe” air
- 72 days of “very poor”
- 33 days of “poor”
These alarming numbers highlight why the government is expanding the use of anti-smog guns—from just 98 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, and now, aiming for citywide coverage.
By targeting tall buildings that contribute to localised dust pollution, officials hope to change how Delhi breathes—one water droplet at a time.
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