Delhi Students Create Low-Cost Fan Filters as Air Pollution Hits Schools

Delhi students Krish Aggarwal and Samarth Meattle founded Project Vayu, which turns ordinary classroom fans into air purifiers for Rs 140. The Class 12 student at Sanskriti School and Class 11 student at Vasant Valley School say thousands of students are already using the filters. Their tests suggest the device can sharply reduce fine-particle pollution. Krish has been named to the 2026 Diana Award Roll of Honour for the initiative. Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI stood at 313 on Wednesday, in the “very poor” category. Stage III pollution curbs remain in force, and primary schools have been directed to offer hybrid classes where online learning is possible. The students say securing school approvals remains a major hurdle.