India, Sept. 22 -- Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Sunday directed the environment department to conduct a focused study on photocatalytic "smog-eating" coatings for roads, concrete, and tiles in the city to curb nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and harmful hydrocarbons in the air.

Sirsa said the Titanium Oxide (TiO2)-based technology has been tested abroad, and Delhi will assess its efficacy before deciding on large-scale deployment. He asked the department to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a reputable scientific institution within 30 days for field trials and evaluation. "Delhi will evaluate and adopt the best of proven photocatalytic technologies, prioritising safety, sustainability, and measurable impact to d...