Innovative Solution to Urban Smog problem
Summary
Delhi
regularly experiences seasonal smog episodes — especially in late autumn and
winter — that push air quality into the “very poor” to “severe” range and
trigger emergency responses. To Contain
the problem Delhi Government is taking many actions like Anti-smog guns,
Misting Poles, Smog Towers, etc., Despite many government actions (GRAP,
enforcement, incentives, and short-term emergency steps) the problem remains
persistent and recurrent. In this paper,
we will only focus on an innovative approach that could help to solve/contain
the Delhi’s Smog problem.
Smog Towers
Smog
towers are designed to filter airborne pollutants such as PM2.5/PM10 and soot.
While effective, traditional smog towers consume electricity and require
dedicated land — making scaling difficult in dense urban spaces like Delhi
Proposed Innovation
Instead
of installing standalone smog towers, we can convert DTC buses into mobile
smog-filtering units. Delhi operates over 4000 buses, each offering
unused roof space. By installing Smog Filter Ducts on the bus roof, the
vehicle’s motion naturally pushes air through the filters, eliminating the need
for external power. This makes the system energy-free, space-free, and
scalable.
Concept Design
- Around
40–60 sq.ft. of bus-roof surface is utilized
- 6
duct units (1 ft × 5 ft)
equipped with internal filter media
- No
fans needed — forward motion generates airflow
- Filters
trap dust and particulate matter, releasing cleaner air back to the
environment
- Compatible
with electric/zero-emission buses, creating dual environmental
benefit
Smog Filter Ducts.
Smog Filter ducts placed
on the roof of the busses.
Conclusion
This
concept transforms public transport into a moving air-purification network,
reducing smog as the buses operate normally. With Delhi’s AQI frequently at
hazardous levels, this idea deserves a pilot deployment. Further
engineering refinement is required to optimize aerodynamics, filter efficiency
and maintenance — but the potential impact could be significant.
References