X
ENERGY
HAKCATHON
PROBLEM
STATEMENT
Addressing Winter Air Quality Challenges in Delhi NCR Through Systemic Innovation
Delhi NCR faces an annual winter air quality crisis that poses significant threats to public health,
economic stability, and environmental sustainability. This challenge is rooted in a complex interplay of
anthropogenic activities, meteorological conditions, and infrastructural inefficiencies. The problem
requires a holistic approach that integrates technological innovation with sustainable urban systems
to address the multifaceted nature of pollution in the region.
Understanding the Core Dynamics of the Challenge
Pollution Source Complexity
The region's air pollution stems from diverse and interrelated sources that peak during the winter
months due to specific seasonal and atmospheric conditions:
• Vehicular Emissions: Contributing approximately 28% of PM2.5 levels during winter, vehicular
exhaust is a major source of air pollution. The high density of internal combustion engine (ICE)
vehicles leads to significant emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and
particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
• Agricultural Residue Burning: Stubble burning in neighbouring states such as Punjab, Haryana,
and Uttar Pradesh accounts for sharp spikes in particulate matter concentrations. This seasonal
activity contributes heavily to the smog episodes observed in Delhi NCR.
• Industrial and Power Plant Emissions: Coal-fired power plants, brick kilns, and other industrial
activities maintain baseline pollution levels throughout the year but intensify during winter
due to increased energy demand.
• Construction Activities: Dust from ongoing infrastructure projects adds approximately 8% to
respirable particulate matter levels. Ineffective dust suppression measures exacerbate this
issue.
• Meteorological Factors: Winter-specific phenomena like temperature inversions trap
pollutants close to the ground, while reduced wind speeds prevent their dispersion, creating
persistent smog blankets.
These sources interact dynamically with atmospheric conditions, making it critical to address pollution
through integrated, data-driven approaches.
Infrastructure Limitations
The existing infrastructure in Delhi NCR is ill-equipped to manage the scale and complexity of the air
pollution crisis:
Traffic Management Deficiencies
• Traffic systems lack real-time responsiveness to pollution metrics. Static traffic signals and
uncoordinated routing protocols fail to minimize vehicular emissions effectively.
• High-emission zones like ITO and Anand Vihar remain congested due to outdated traffic
management practices.
Energy Distribution Dependence on Fossil Fuels
• The energy grid relies heavily on coal-fired power plants, contributing significantly to air
pollution.
• Renewable energy integration remains limited due to inadequate storage solutions and grid
modernization efforts.
Insufficient Pollution Monitoring
• The current monitoring network lacks hyperlocal resolution, preventing targeted interventions
in high-impact zones.
• Advanced technologies like IoT-enabled sensors and satellite imagery are underutilized for
real-time decision-making.
Operational Constraints
Several systemic barriers hinder the effective implementation of mitigation measures:
• Fragmented Coordination
Environmental agencies, urban planners, municipal corporations, and traffic authorities operate in
silos with minimal collaboration.
• Delayed Responsiveness
Current systems are reactive rather than proactive, with interventions often implemented after
pollution levels reach hazardous thresholds.
• Inefficient Resource Allocation
Resources for mitigation measures are poorly prioritized, leading to inconsistent application across
regions.
Challenge Statement
Participants are tasked with designing adaptive systems that:
• Process multi-source environmental data streams (e.g., meteorological data, vehicular
emissions, industrial outputs).
• Generate predictive insights for pollution mitigation, use advanced modelling techniques.
• Optimize energy distribution and transportation systems for sustainability.
• Scale effectively across Delhi NCR’s 1,484 km² urban area while maintaining operational
efficacy under fluctuating conditions.
Strategic Implementation Pathways
1. Predictive Environmental Modelling
Develop systems capable of:
• Synthesizing satellite imagery, IoT-enabled ground sensors, and historical trends.
• Forecasting pollution hotspots 72 hours in advance with ≤15% error margins.
• Simulating intervention impacts across economic, health, and environmental domains.
2. Energy Distribution Networks
Design adaptive energy systems that:
• Integrate renewable sources e.g. solar, wind into the grid during peak pollution periods.
• Use AI-driven demand forecasting models aligned with mitigation protocols
• Improve grid resilience under fluctuating generation conditions.
3. Behavioural Insights and Policy Suggestions based on Simulation
Use data analytics to design targeted public awareness campaigns encouraging sustainable practices.
Technical Requirements
Proposed solutions must demonstrate:
• Scalability across heterogeneous urban zones with varying pollution sources.
• Interoperability with existing infrastructure sensors for seamless integration.
• Computational efficiency for city-wide deployment in real-time environments.
• Adaptive learning capabilities to evolve with changing urban patterns.
Expected Outcomes
Successful solutions should achieve measurable improvements in air quality management:
• Reduce peak particulate concentrations by 25–40%.
• Improve air quality forecasting accuracy by 18–22%.
• Optimize clean energy utilization by 30% during crises.
• Enhance public compliance with mitigation protocols by 15–20%.
Criteria Description Weightage (%)
Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the air
quality crisis in Delhi NCR,
1. Problem Understanding including pollution sources, meteorological factors, and
& Background socio-economic impacts. 10%
Assesses the creativity and originality of the proposed
solution.
Includes the use of new concepts, methodologies, or
technologies for addressing air pollution challenges
2. Innovation & Novelty innovatively. 15%
Evaluates whether the solution can function effectively
under real-world conditions.
Includes scalability, interoperability with existing
3. Technical Feasibility & systems, computational efficiency, and adaptive learning
Robustness capabilities. 20%
Measures the potential of the solution to reduce air
pollution and improve environmental sustainability.
4. Environmental Impact & Includes quantifiable reductions in particulate matter
Pollution Reduction and emissions from key sources like vehicles and
Potential industries. 20%
Examines how easily the solution can be implemented
across Delhi NCR and similar urban centres.
5. Scalability & Considers flexibility, resource requirements, and time
Deployment Potential limits for large-scale deployment. 15%
Assesses whether the solution is cost-effective for large-
scale adoption by governments or private sectors.
Includes long-term economic benefits like healthcare
6. Economic Viability & savings and productivity gains versus implementation
Cost-Benefit Analysis costs. 10%
Evaluates how well the solution aligns with existing
policies (e.g., GRAP) and
encourages behavioural changes among stakeholders
7. Policy Alignment & through AI-driven insights or public awareness
Behavioural Insights campaigns. 10%
Assesses how clearly and effectively participants
communicate their ideas during presentations or
reports.
Includes logical structure, use of visual aids, and clarity FOR THE FINAL
8. Presentation & Clarity in addressing questions during Q&A sessions. ROUND.
References
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