Govt seeks 'innovative tech' to curb PM emissions in ELVS

In a bid to curb particulate matter (PM) emissions—a key pollutant that also leads to respiratory illnesses—into the atmosphere at source, the Delhi government is planning an innovation challenge seeking low-cost and easy-to-maintain technology that can absorb at least twice the amount of PM2.5 and PM10 produced by end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in the city, environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Thursday.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

Sirsa said a standing order was issued to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on the day to launch the challenge within 30 days. It will be open to individuals, startups, research institutions and technology developers across India, he said. There will be prize money in the challenge, with the government to also financially support scaling up of technologies found viable, the minister added.

“The DPCC is hereby directed to design and launch an Innovation Challenge focused on identifying and promoting low-cost, easy-to-maintain, and effective technological solutions capable of reducing or absorbing PM 2.5 and PM 10 emissions (of at least twice the amount emitted) from End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) operating within the territory of Delhi..” said the order issued to the DPCC, a copy of which was accessed by HT.