Delhi Fights Dust: AI Cameras to Monitor Pollution

Delhi authorities are launching a comprehensive tech-driven initiative to tackle dust pollution from construction sites, a significant contributor to the city's air quality issues. The "DUST Portal 2.0" will integrate AI-powered cameras, PM sensors, and automated audits for continuous monitoring of dust-control compliance.

This new system replaces manual checks with unique QR codes assigned to each construction site. Field officers can scan these codes to access real-time site data and compliance records via mobile devices, streamlining enforcement. The portal will also issue tiered alerts—Yellow, Orange, and Red—to flag pollution breaches and trigger necessary actions.

This move by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny on construction dust. The Commission for Air Quality Management has consistently identified construction and demolition activities as major sources of PM10 and PM2.5 pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.