Status: Not ApprovedHEAD: 24_Del_KD_Kushagra_SirsaByline: Kushagra DixitEnvironment minister says six new air quality monitoring stations will be integrated into cpcb network within a weekTNNNew Delhi: Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa informed that the 6 new air quality monitoring stations will be integrated into the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) network within a week, strengthening the accuracy and scope of national Air Quality Index (AQI) reporting.TOI reported on Monday that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee made 6 new continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) operational, but they are yet to be integrated with the CPCB network. As a result, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is currently assessed using data from 40 stations. The 6 new stations, currently live on the DPCC portal, were announced last year, while experts alleged that they are situated in relatively greener spaces, and they may affect the city’s average readings.The minister said in a statement on Tuesday that 46 CAAQMS is the highest in India.The newly activated stations are located at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), ISRO Earth Station near Malcha Mahal (Central Ridge), Delhi Cantonment, Commonwealth Sports Complex, and Netaji Subhash University of Technology (West Campus).Officials said the stations are undergoing close performance monitoring and will be fully integrated.“These new stations mark a leap in data-driven action against pollution. Live data already empowers targeted interventions, and CPCB integration will ensure seamless, city-wide insights,” Sirsa said.Beyond tracking PM2.5, PM10, and other key pollutants, the stations are expected to support studies on pollution’s impact on flora and fauna across diverse ecosystems in the capital.With 30 stations managed by DPCC and additional units operated by IMD/IITM and CPCB, Delhi’s expanded network is designed to deliver hyper-local pollution readings to guide mitigation strategies. The move comes alongside parallel initiatives such as the ‘Vayu Rakshak’ enforcement drive involving 100 personnel and plans to install 14 more monitoring stations. MSID:: 128752499 413 |
