Delhi Govt Partners IIT Madras to Test Smog-eating Surfaces
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Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Government of NCT of Delhi, on Friday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to launch a comprehensive pilot study on photocatalytic “smog-eating” surfaces.
Titled “Comprehensive Study on the Effectiveness of Photocatalytic Smog-Eating Surfaces, Specifically Utilizing Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) or Similar Safe Photocatalysts for Abatement of Air Pollution in Delhi,” the project targets key pollutants like Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that fuel urban smog.
The MoU signing ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Minister Shri Manjinder Singh Sirsa, alongside Prof. Somnath C. Roy from IIT Madras’s Department of Physics, who serves as Principal Investigator. Senior officials from the Department of Environment and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) were also present.
The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa by Prof. CS Shankar Ram, Associate Dean (Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research), IIT Madras, and Prof Somnath Chanda Roy, Department of Physics, IIT Madras, and Ramesh Bidhuri, Secretary (Environment) and Mr. Anand Tiwari, Spl. Secretary (Environment), Government of Delhi.
“Through this IIT Madras study, we aim to find the best, long-lasting, and affordable ways to put ‘smog-eating’ coatings on roads, buildings, and city surfaces. It can work in our favour if the study can provide evidence based findings that such coatings or materials can cut NO₂ & other pollutants,” Hon’ble Minister Shri Manjinder Singh Sirsa emphasised in the discussion.
Shri Sirsa further added, “Delhi’s population is growing with urbanisation from nearby areas, expanding our infrastructure rapidly. Our focus, under the leadership of Hon’ble CM Smt. Rekha Gupta, remains on achieving cleaner air for the people, without blanket bans. Therefore,we must use science to shield our air, to protect our weather and health without halting this vital growth.”
Photocatalytic materials like TiO₂ activate under sunlight to trigger reactions that convert harmful pollutants into benign compounds. The six-month study will assess optimal integration methods, including mixing into concrete and asphalt, surface coatings on infrastructure, and innovative panels on rooftops or streetlights.
The study will also investigate the development and deployment of photocatalytic pollutant-removal panels made using Titanium Dioxide, based materials. These panels may potentially be installed on rooftops, similar to solar panels, or mounted on street-light poles to enable pollutant removal directly from the ambient air.
“We are working diligently to support innovators, as seen in our innovation challenge that has now reached its trial run phase, this study exemplifies that commitment,” Shri Sirsa highlighted.
Prof. Somnath C. Roy highlighted the rigorous approach: “The study will begin with lab testing in a smog chamber at IIT Madras to precisely measure pollutant abatement. Following this, our team will conduct real-time field assessments in Delhi’s urban environment on surfaces like concrete, asphalt, metal panels, glass, and roads to evaluate durability and efficiency under actual conditions.”
This science-driven effort aligns with Delhi Government’s multi-pronged strategy to enhance air quality, complementing road dust control and other measures. Subject to the study’s findings, the government aims to explore deploying these solutions during peak smog months this year, paving the way for scalable, cost-effective urban interventions.
Hon’ble Minister Shri Sirsa reiterated: “Delhi demands bold, innovative scientific solutions to tackle air pollution, this collaboration with IIT Madras will deliver actionable insights for cleaner air across our city.”
