India, July 18 -- New Delhi

In a bid to curb particulate matter (PM) emissions-a key pollutant that also leads to respiratory illnesses-into the atmosphere at source, the Delhi government is planning an innovation challenge seeking low-cost and easy-to-maintain technology that can absorb at least twice the amount of PM2.5 and PM10 produced by end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in the city, environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Thursday.

Sirsa said a standing order was issued to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on the day to launch the challenge within 30 days. It will be open to individuals, start-ups, research institutions and technology developers across India, he said. There will be prize money in the challenge, wit...