Government ties up with IIT Kanpur to fight air pollution

The Delhi Government on Friday signed a five-year agreement with the AIRAWAT Research Foundation of IIT Kanpur to strengthen air pollution control in the Capital through artificial intelligence, advanced monitoring systems, and predictive technology.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Delhi Environment Department and the IIT Kanpur Foundation in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

Under the agreement, Delhi will develop an advanced air quality management system based on artificial intelligence, hyperlocal pollution monitoring, satellite data, and scientific forecasting tools.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at improving pollution tracking, identifying local pollution sources more accurately, and enabling faster government response.

One of the key features of the project will be the development of an AI-based Decision Support System capable of forecasting pollution levels up to 48 to 72 hours in advance.

The system will also help identify pollution hotspots across the city through real-time monitoring and predictive analytics.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the partnership would help the government adopt a more scientific and technology-driven approach to tackle Delhi’s long-standing air pollution problem.