CHANDIGARH: With the UT administration approving the proposal to set up automatic air quality monitoring system, it will soon be possible to check air pollution levels in real time. The decision to set up the automatic system, which will also function as a weather station, was taken at a meeting of the Chandigarh pollution control committee (CPCC), held on May 21, which was chaired by adviser KK Sharma.

The estimated total project cost is Rs 1.1 crore, half of which will be borne by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a partner in the project. Besides mapping ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide levels, the air monitoring system will also provide updates on benzene, a toxic compound emitted by vehicles, exposure to which causes cancer, besides other diseases.

This is the first time levels of Benzene and ground-level Ozone, presence of which in the air can harm people, particularly children, will be ascertained in the city. According to CPCC member secretary PJS Dadhwal, location to set up of the system is yet to be decided.

"We are still to identify a place to install the system and will consult experts and CPCB in the regard. We will convey our decision to the CPCB and start the process to set up the station. It may take a few months as we will have to import most of the equipment," said Dadhwal.

He also said Chandigarh may become the first in the region to have such a system. Presently, CPCC has five ambient air quality monitoring stations in Kaimbwala, PEC, IMTECH, Sector 17 and Industrial Area. Officials said once the monitoring system is in place, live updates will be available online and later, mobile applications can also be launched.

Automatic air quality monitoring system

It will be possible to check carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide levels in real time

Ground-level ozone and benzene presence in the city air will be measured for the first time and the data will be available in real time

The system will also work as a weather station with data on temperature, wind speed, wind direction, humidity and solar radiation available in real time