Delhi Mandates Anti-Smog Guns for High-Rise Buildings: New Air Quality Rules 2025

The Delhi government has implemented a new directive requiring installation of anti-smog guns on high-rise buildings as part of its comprehensive 2025 air quality improvement strategy. The mandate targets commercial, institutional, and hospitality structures that are ground plus five floors or taller, with a built-up area exceeding 3,000 square meters.

Building Categories and Implementation Schedule

The new regulation specifically applies to malls, hotels, office complexes, and institutional buildings while excluding residential structures. Property owners have been given a six-month compliance window from the notification date, with the deadline likely falling by the end of November 2025. However, operation of these devices will be prohibited during the monsoon period from June 15 to October 1.

This development reflects the growing emphasis on eco-friendly real estate practices across major Indian cities, as developers increasingly incorporate environmental compliance measures into their projects.

Technical Specifications and Equipment Requirements

The government has established clear guidelines for the number and specifications of anti-smog guns based on building size:

• Buildings with 3,000-10,000 square meters of built-up area must install a minimum of three anti-smog guns
• For every additional 5,000 square meters beyond 10,000, one extra gun must be added
• Buildings with 10,001-15,000 square meters require four guns, scaling up to six guns for structures with 20,001-25,000 square meters

The equipment must meet specific technical standards, including a spray range of 75-100 meters, droplet size between 5-20 microns, and water usage capped at approximately 10,000 liters per day.

Operational Guidelines and Strategic Implementation

The anti-smog guns will be deployed on rooftop parapets and must operate during morning and evening hours to effectively combat PM2.5 and PM10 particles. This initiative forms part of the broader Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025-26, which includes deployment of 1,000 fixed sprinklers and 140 mobile anti-smog guns across the city.

The policy aligns with Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage I measures currently in effect, which also encompass stricter vehicle emission controls and diesel generator bans. This comprehensive approach mirrors similar environmental initiatives seen in other major cities, where smart city development increasingly incorporates pollution control measures.

Impact on Real Estate and Development Sector

The mandate is expected to influence future commercial real estate development and operational costs. Property developers and building owners will need to factor in installation and maintenance expenses for anti-smog equipment, potentially affecting commercial real estate investment decisions in the Delhi market.

Industry experts note that while technology-based solutions like smog towers and guns demonstrate visible intervention against pollution, their effectiveness depends on integration with long-term source control measures. The quarterly compliance monitoring system will ensure adherence to the new regulations.

Broader Environmental Context

This directive represents Delhi's proactive approach to urban air quality management through enforceable mandates and targeted pollution control. The initiative demonstrates governmental accountability while addressing dust and particulate matter exposure in high-density urban areas.

The policy's implementation will likely influence similar measures in other major Indian cities, as environmental compliance becomes increasingly critical for sustainable real estate development across the country.

Delhi's comprehensive approach to air quality improvement through mandatory anti-smog gun installation on qualifying high-rise buildings marks a significant step in urban pollution mitigation, combining immediate technological intervention with long-term environmental planning strategies.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on publicly available information and government announcements. Readers are advised to verify current regulations and compliance requirements with relevant authorities before making any decisions. The information provided is for general awareness and should not be considered as legal or professional advice.