Automatic machines to help BMC monitor air qualityst

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to gather accurate data on the quality of air that Mumbaikars breathe.

As the number of vehicles in the city continues to see a sharp rise,the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to gather accurate data on the quality of air that Mumbaikars breathe. While the civic body earlier depended on three mobile vans that monitored the air quality at three major traffic junctions in the city,it will now invest in six automatic air monitoring systems. These imported machines will help the BMC monitor air quality at all times.

With the number of vehicles increasing from 17.67 lakh in March 2010 to 19.09 lakh in January 2011 and the increase in industrial activities,the presence of heavy metals has shown an upward trend in the city.

Data from the BMCs Air Quality Monitoring and Research Laboratory between April 2010 and March 2011 shows that the levels of lead,iron,copper,cadmium,nickel and chromium in air have risen as compared to the levels during the corresponding period last year.

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A scientist from the lab said till now,the BMC stationed its mobile vans at the three traffic junctions in Worli,Wadala and Andheri for a few days during an annual survey to supply data for the environment status report. However,now,the stationing of these automatic systems will help BMC monitor the levels throughout the year.

The six machines will be purchased at a total cost of Rs 1.25 crore and will be installed at municipal properties in Andheri,Deonar,Borivali,Worli,Mulund and Khar. Budget provision for two such machines that will be imported from the US and France has been made for the current financial year.

At present,only the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has such machines. These are highly advanced technologically and we will be able to get constant updates on the air quality levels. The data generated from all the systems will be centralised and made easily available to us, said the scientist.

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