The Hindu : New Delhi News : Students to monitor Delhi air quality

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 15, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

Students to monitor Delhi air quality

Anjali Dhal Samanta

Pilot project functioning from Delhi College of Engineering

NEW DELHI: Concerned over the effect of pollution generated in the heart of the city on the surrounding areas, the Central Pollution Control Board has set up a continuous air quality monitoring station in the Delhi College of Engineering (DCE) campus at Bawana. And more than just data collection, this station would engage in a novel experiment: to train the students community in analysing the pollution levels.

Set up barely a month ago, the CPCB is looking for background data that would assist in comparing the pollution levels in the congested areas of the Capital and the areas located on the periphery.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the 24-hour station would continuously generate data on the air quality. And to provide information to the general public, the data would also be uploaded directly on the Board's website through a centralised system.

"We wanted to establish a station outside the city centre so that it would help us understand the effect of the Capital's pollution on areas outside the centre of the city. Delhi's industrial areas and vehicular pollution have an impact on all the surrounding areas.

The station will provide us with the much-needed background data so that comparative analysis will be easier,'' said CPCB member-secretary, B. Sengupta.

Analysis apart, the air-monitoring station would provide a hands-on experience to students to learn data analysis. Looking mostly at senior students, the Board would be involved in training sessions. "Those students who are involved in projects connected to environment or those interested in the subject would be given training in analysing data. It would give them practical experience,'' said Dr. Sengputa.

But DCE is not looking at air monitoring alone. Aiming for a more eco-friendly campus, DCE would soon boast of a rainwater harvesting system. Planned in association with CPCB -- the Memorandum of Understanding was signed in March -- a pilot project of rainwater harvesting would soon be in place at DCE's hostel.

The new system would use rainwater and treated wastewater to meet the water requirements of the hostel. Along with channels and pipes to collect the rainwater, appropriate changes would be made in the plumbing to incorporate the harvested water in the water supply.

A basic laboratory for sampling and monitoring with appropriate instruments would also be located in the complex.

Apart from conserving precious water, the project attempts to spread awareness among the student community.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi