New Delhi, Oct 25 (Reporter) The Delhi Government announced on Friday that it has deployed drones in the national capital for the first time as a pilot project to monitor pollution sources in hotspot zones. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated, “Thirteen hotspots in Delhi experience higher pollution levels than normal. To effectively reduce pollution at these hotspots, drone mapping was conducted at the Wazirpur hotspot on Friday by an agency listed with the Survey of India.” “Our goal is to maximize the use of advanced technology in tackling pollution. Under this pilot project, drone mapping was carried out at the Wazirpur hotspot,” he said. “This drone collects information on various pollution sources at a height of 120 meters within a 200-meter radius and sends the data to the Environment Department and the DPCC (Delhi Pollution Control Committee). Engineers from the Environment and DPCC departments will analyze this data and submit a report, upon which more effective measures will be taken. "If this pilot project succeeds, it will be implemented in other hotspots as well,” Rai added. Reiterating his government’s Winter Action Plan, which focuses on 21 key points and was announced on September 25, Rai pointed out, “One of the major initiatives under this plan is the use of drone technology to monitor pollution at hotspots.” “Thirteen hotspots have been identified in Delhi where pollution levels are higher,” he said, adding that as part of this pilot project, drone mapping was demonstrated today at the Wazirpur hotspot to monitor pollution. The drone will help identify pollution sources, and action will be taken accordingly. Rai emphasized that pollution sources such as open burning, unregulated construction activities, and traffic congestion can be quickly detected, enabling agencies to implement corrective measures. The data collected through drone mapping will play a crucial role in developing effective pollution control policies. “The work is ongoing based on different action plans created for the 13 hotspots. Thirteen coordination teams have been set up for this purpose. To reduce dust pollution, 80 mobile anti-smog guns have been deployed in hotspot areas. Additionally, the MCD's DC has been instructed to make regular visits to hotspots with all relevant officials,” Rai added...////...