IIT-Delhi working on projects to track, monitor air pollution levels
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi is developing a slew of solutions at its Center of Excellence for Research on Clean Air (CERCA) for tracking and reducing the air pollution levels in the city. As a part of their latest research, CERCA is identifying 10 districts of Punjab and Haryana, which are the major contributors of the crisis via stubble burning. Here's more.
"Would help in pinning down districts responsible for maximum pollution"
CERCA's founder Arun Duggal told ET, "Overland air patterns and stubble burning in over 50 districts in Punjab and Haryana are being studied by researchers." He added, "This would help in pinning down the districts responsible for maximum air pollution through stubble burning." Notably, the menace leads to high pollution levels in entire northern India, making it hard to breathe, especially during autumn season.
Researchers also trying to take lessons from China, Japan
The center, in other research related work, is also trying to take lessons from fellow Asian countries like China and Japan, which have remarkably and significantly brought down their air pollution levels over the years. Throwing light on the same, Duggal said, "There are lessons that India can learn from these countries and fast track the fight against pollution."
CERCA also developing AI-based solutions for pollution level forecast
Apart from this, other projects that would help track air pollution levels are also being pursued. As per reports, CERCA is developing Artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions, which could forecast the pollution levels of several parts of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, two weeks in advance. The research findings will later be shared with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for executing necessary solutions.
Also working on a device to obtain realtime live data
Among other projects, the institute is also developing a device to monitor air pollution levels, which can obtain 'realtime live data' and send it to the systems placed at the IIT-Delhi campus. Currently, as a pilot project, the device is being installed in DTC buses. "Once the pilot is over, we would increase the area of monitoring by placing more such devices," Duggal added.
CERCA aims to enhance public understanding of the issue
Apart from the above initiatives, the center's mission is to "collaborate with Industry on Clean Air and emission reduction equipment initiatives" along with indoor air quality improvement programs. It also aims to enhance public understanding of the issue and promote clean air initiatives.
Duggal had also contributed Rs. 5 crore for establishing CERCA
On February 16, 2018, CERCA was inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Anil Baijal. Duggal, who is an alumnus of IIT-Delhi, had extended financial support of Rs. 5 crore towards its establishment. "IITD has an opportunity, to assist the policy makers in Government dealing with Air Quality issues by providing scientific information and objective feedback on various pollution control measures," he said.
