Delhi rolls out cameras, AI centre and manual checks to curb winter smog

Delhi has launched a mix of anti‑pollution steps, including Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, an AI‑driven Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) and manual vehicle checks, to tackle the winter smog surge. Traffic moves through dense haze as air quality worsens across the National Capital Region ahead of the cold season. The city’s winter spike in particulate matter has prompted authorities to act on three main sources: road dust, vehicular emissions and construction‑site pollution. ANPR cameras target high‑polluting vehicles and feed data to the ICCC, which uses algorithms to coordinate traffic flow and enforce restrictions. Manual checks at checkpoints supplement the technology, allowing officers to verify compliance on the ground. Over the years, the mixed approach has yielded uneven results; some zones report temporary drops in pollutant levels while others see little change. The effort reflects a broader shift toward data‑driven enforcement, but officials acknowledge that full success depends on sustained cooperation from commuters, builders and transport operators.

Context

The winter rise in Delhi’s air pollution is a recurring pattern caused by cooler temperatures trapping pollutants close to the ground. Technologies like ANPR and AI‑based command centres are being adopted worldwide to improve real‑time monitoring and response, though their effectiveness often hinges on consistent on‑ground enforcement.