GAIL (India) Ltd and the MNJ Institute of Oncology, Hyderabad, have decided to jointly set up an air pollution related diagnostic centre here.

The centre is one of the 22 that GAIL is planning to set up in 22 cities, where it would supply natural gas under the `Blue Sky' Project. Air pollution is set to be reduced through the supply of CNG to the transport sector and piped natural gas for domestic and commercial users in these cities.

Hyderabad, Vijayawada and Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh are among the 22 cities identified. The APRDCs will be self-contained units with modern diagnostic facilities and medical personnel. The units would be sponsored by GAIL in partnership with reputed hospital/institutions/NGOs in healthcare in the cities.

According to a press release from GAIL, its senior official of the zone, Mr R.C. Arora presented a cheque for Rs 20 lakh to Dr B.N. Rao, Director of the MNJ Institute of Oncology, on Monday.

The APRDCs are being set up as part of the corporate social responsibility initiatives by GAIL. The Hyderabad centre is expected to provide diagnostic facilities and treatment to the poor people. It would also work as research and development for the development of facilities for diagnosing suspended particles, which are known to cause health problems.