Delhi prepares for another smog-filled winter, DPCC orders anti-smog guns:High-rise buildings, malls, and universities must install devices from Oct to combat severe winter pollution
“Anti-smog guns are visible interventions, but they are not a silver bullet,” said an air quality researcher at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). “Unless Delhi and neighbouring states address crop residue burning and vehicular pollution, winter smog will remain a recurring crisis.” As the monsoon recedes and winter approaches, the national capital is bracing itself for another choking season due to air pollution. In a renewed effort to curb rising smog levels, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has directed all high-rise commercial buildings to install anti-smog guns from 2 October onwards in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Rule to target tall buildings and large complexes The regulation, which was officially notified in May 2024, mandates that anti-smog guns be installed in commercial complexes, malls, hotels, office towers, universities, and educational institutions that have six or more floors. The requirement also extends to buildings with a built-up area of 3,000 square metres or more. The order had been temporarily relaxed during the monsoon season between 15 June and 1 October but will now be enforced for the first time this year. Why the move is critical Particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 remain the main drivers of Delhi’s hazardous air quality. Data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee shows that between October 2024 and January 2025, the average PM10 level was 420 micrograms per cubic metre, while PM2.5 stood at 271 micrograms per cubic metre—both over four times the safe limits prescribed by the World Health Organization. During this period, Delhi witnessed 33 days of “poor” air, 72 days of “very poor” air, and 14 days in the “severe” category. Previous year trends The use of anti-smog guns in Delhi is not new. In 2023, 93 high-rise buildings were equipped with the machines. By 2024, the number had increased to 156, covering malls, hotels, and corporate towers. The capital has an estimated 200 high-rise commercial structures, and officials expect full compliance in the coming months. Meanwhile, Delhi’s overall air quality has shown little sign of long-term improvement. The city recorded about 180 “very poor” to “severe” air quality days in 2022 and a similar trend in 2023, underscoring the need for stricter pollution control measures beyond seasonal firefighting. Technical requirements for anti-smog guns According to the directive, the machines must meet specific technical standards: Nozzles should release water droplets of 5–20 microns in size. Spraying capacity must cover 75–100 metres. Operational timings are fixed at three slots: 6:30–9:30 am, 5:30–8:30 pm, and 1:30–4:30 am. Only treated water is permitted for use. Deployment guidelines For a built-up area of 10,000 sq. m – minimum 3 guns. For 15,000 sq. m – minimum 4 guns. For 20,000 sq. m – minimum 5 guns. For 25,000 sq. m – minimum 6 guns. For every additional 5,000 sq. m – one extra gun. While environmentalists welcome the move, experts caution that anti-smog guns can only provide limited, localised relief. Sources of pollution such as vehicular emissions, stubble burning, and construction dust, require broader, sustained policies. “Anti-smog guns are visible interventions, but they are not a silver bullet,” said an air quality researcher at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). “Unless Delhi and neighbouring states address crop residue burning and vehicular pollution, winter smog will remain a recurring crisis.” With winter setting in, all eyes will be on whether Delhi’s new building-level measures can bring measurable improvement or if the city will once again be enveloped in its familiar toxic haze.