Delhi's roads to snack on smog

In fight against air pollution, govt to test 'Smog-Eating' surfaces

- AIMAN FATIMA

Delhi may soon see roads and pavements that literally “eat smog.” In a bid to strengthen the city’s armour against toxic winter air, the Delhi government has announced a time-bound scientific study on photocatalytic coatings that can break down harmful pollutants and make public spaces safer to breathe.

Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has directed the Environment Department to fast-track a feasibility study on titanium oxide (TiO2)-based “smog-eating” surfaces. These coatings, when applied to roads, pavements, and tiles, are known to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other harmful hydrocarbons through a photocatalytic process activated by sunlight.