KOCHI: In view of the worsening air quality in the city and on the outskirts, the State Pollution Control Board is set to install continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) at Vyttila, Madhava Pharmacy junction and Eloor.
The system, with an estimated cost of Rs 1.25 crore, would monitor the air quality continuously and the results will be displayed on the screen. There have been widespread protests against the lackadaisical approach of the PCB in addressing the deteriorating air quality in city.
“Installation of the system is in progress at Vyttila while we are in search of a suitable place at Madhava Pharmacy junction. The work order is yet to be issued for setting up CAAQMS at Eloor industrial belt. The Vyttila facility will be commissioned within three months,” said Mr K. Sajeevan, chairman, PCB.
The PCB has proposed to set up the facility initially in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode and later in all other corporation areas and districts. The state has embarked on the programme as part of the Union government’s plan to monitor the air quality of the nation on a single window.
“Though increased vehicle density and massive construction works have been affecting the air quality, the public are unaware of the health hazards. With the CAAQMS in place, the people will be able to get an idea of the presence of pollutants in the atmosphere through the huge display boards,” added the PCB chairman.
Apart from the display boards, the PCB is planning to livestream the data on
air quality through the board’s website so that anyone can get the details of ambient air quality.
