For seven initiatives, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enlisted the help of academic institutions to address various areas of air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
In a message released on Thursday, the CAQM reported that seven bids had been accepted. One of them is being conducted by CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, and uses machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to count automobiles using CCTV footage. The information is then anticipated to assist in creating emissions inventories that aid in identifying pollution sources.
The Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, has also approved a project. Drones will be used in the NCR to assess the quality of the air in real-time at pollution hotspots.
To reduce pollution levels by 25–50%, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, will test a “air purification system” at a market in Delhi–National Capital Region. The statement from the CAQM claims that the technology is based on aerodynamics.
The Pune-based Automotive Research Association of India will test the feasibility of converting two- and three-wheeled autorickshaws to an electric motor system. Then, these cars will be used to gather data.
Another project by IIT Delhi and Swachh.io that has received CAQM approval is a “filter-less air cleaner” for buses. Based on aerodynamics, it entails upgrading buses with these “air cleaners.”
Another concept that has been authorised is the Decision Support System (DSS) by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. In Delhi and eight other districts—Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Jhajjar, Sonipat, Baghpat, and Rohtak—the DSS will assist in locating the causes of air pollution. Currently, the DSS offers hourly data on Delhi’s emission sources.
