Anupam Kumar, Patna. To conduct research on the air quality of the state, air quality monitoring stations have been established in 522 blocks. IIT Kanpur will study and analyze the data obtained from these for two years and based on the findings, will give useful suggestions to improve the air quality of the state and reduce environmental pollution.
MOU signed
An MoU related to this was signed about six months ago between IIT Kanpur and Bihar State Pollution Control Board. Under this, air quality monitoring stations are to be established in all 534 blocks of the state. In the last three months, these have been installed in 522 blocks and limited research has also been started. These will be installed in the remaining 12 blocks also by the end of this month. With this, research will start at the level of the entire state.
The equipment is only one foot long
The equipment installed by IIT Kanpur in all the blocks of the state is not only much smaller than the equipment installed by Bihar State Pollution Control Board at its air quality monitoring station but its cost is also less. Its length is just one foot, which has to be planted in an open area at a height of three to 10 meters. Bihar State Pollution Control Board has spent approximately Rs 1 crore per monitoring station in setting up its monitoring stations. Whereas IIT’s equipment has been installed at less than a fourth of that price. IIT Kanpur itself is bearing their expenses.
Comparative study of big and small monitors is being done
To check the ability of the small monitors installed by IIT to measure air quality and the accuracy of the data obtained, they have also been installed at 35 sites in 23 cities where big monitors of Bihar State Pollution Control Board are already installed. The data obtained from these is also being matched with the data obtained from the equipment installed by the Pollution Control Board.
Research being done in the laboratory of IIT Kanpur
A laboratory has been established in IIT Kanpur. There, under the guidance of a senior professor, many researchers are doing research on the data obtained from these monitors. The monitoring stations installed in every block are completely automatic. Therefore, no operator is required to run them. Only in case of breakdown of electricity connection or any kind of damage due to natural disaster, storm etc., the responsibility of repairing them has been given to an outsourced agency.
It will study the air quality of the state during winter, summer and rainy seasons for two years.
According to the conditions set in the MOU, IIT Kanpur will study the air quality of the state during winter, summer and rainy seasons for two consecutive years with the help of these instruments. But if the condition of these instruments remains good, then even then they will be used by the Pollution Control Board or IIT Kanpur for data collection.