Today, the national capital is grappling with one of its most severe air pollution crises in recent history. This crisis is attributed to a confluence of factors, including stubble burning, the use of firecrackers, and emissions from the automobile industry. The 2021 Air Quality Report published by IQAir underscores the alarming reality that 35 Indian cities are among the top 50 most polluted cities globally. While Delhi frequently dominates headlines for its deteriorating air quality, many Tier-2 cities across northern and eastern India are also facing critical health risks due to compromised air quality.
Over 500 million Indians are regularly exposed to severe air pollution, particularly during the winter months when the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently surpasses the hazardous threshold of 300. Identifying the sources of air pollution is a complex endeavor, but common contributors include vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, construction dust, waste burning, and agricultural practices like stubble burning.
In response to the escalating air quality concerns, Development Alternatives (DA), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP India), Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), and Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), with support from Lacuna Fund for Climate and Energy, launched a hyperlocal air pollution mapping project in Gurugram and Patna in June 2024.
This initiative aims to generate a comprehensive dataset on both point and non-point sources of air pollution by engaging local communities in environmental monitoring. The project leverages advanced, yet affordable Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology to provide precise, hyperlocal pollution data.
Local volunteers, trained as Citizen Scientists, are equipped with low-cost air quality sensors to monitor key pollutants, including Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Methane, Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10), and Carbon Dioxide. This initiative not only facilitates data collection but also fosters community engagement. By combining cutting-edge technology with citizen participation, the project aims to deliver real-time, actionable insights, identify pollution hotspots, and inform targeted solutions to address air quality challenges.
A citizen-led solution to air pollution
Over 50 volunteers across Patna and Gurugram have received training in the deployment and use of low-cost air quality sensors, as well as the interpretation of the data they collect, further deepening their understanding of this critical issue. The project methodology emphasizes the strategic placement of sensors across various city-level hotspots, ensuring comprehensive coverage of pollution sources such as industrial emissions, vehicular emissions, biomass burning, and solid waste burning. The collected data will comprise over 1 million data points, providing a detailed overview of the air quality in these cities.
Thus far, 50 Internet of Things (IoT) sensors have been installed in Patna, and an equal number have been deployed in Gurugram. These devices transmit data every minute to an app, offering real-time updates on air quality conditions. The data, supplemented by geotagged photographs collected by trained citizen scientists, will aid in creating a detailed map of pollution hotspots, enabling local authorities to take targeted action and develop use-case pathways for mitigating air pollution. The data will be collected throughout the day and throughout the year. This will enable us and policymakers to comprehend the pollution status across all seasons and formulate mitigation actions accordingly.
Driving impact and change
The next phase involves data validation through field assessments and close collaboration with local authorities to ensure swift action is taken in areas with the most severe pollution. Additionally, the team plans to collaborate with key stakeholders, propose mitigation strategies, and develop use-case pathways, contributing to the mainstreaming of the project's methodology into broader governance frameworks.
“Our goal through this project isn't just to collect data but to understand how this data can improve Patna's air quality. We aim to translate this information into actionable implementation strategies. Long-term partnerships are essential for identifying and implementing effective solutions in the state,” stated Dr. Soumen Maity, Vice President of Development Alternatives Group, during the Citizen Scientist Training on Air Quality Monitoring in Patna on June 10, 2024.
“Hyperlocal mapping of air pollution in our city is crucial for identifying the sources that deteriorate Patna's air quality. With real-time data collection and validation efforts, we can derive immediate actionable insights to mitigate these issues effectively,” added Dr. D.K. Shukla, Chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) at the Citizen Scientist Training on Air Quality Monitoring, Patna, June 10, 2024.
The hyperlocal air pollution mapping project in Gurugram and Patna is more than just a data collection initiative—it's a transformative step towards cleaner air and healthier communities through a data-informed and collaborative approach. As the project progresses, the collected data will play a pivotal role in shaping effective recommendations and interventions, ensuring long-term improvements in air quality and public health. By integrating pollution data into regulatory frameworks, creating a centralized digital platform for emissions monitoring, and addressing specific pollution hotspots with targeted solutions, this project paves the way for actionable, real-world impact.
The project's success hinges on its ability to unite communities around a shared goal—improving air quality and addressing greenhouse gas emissions. As citizen scientists and local authorities join forces in their endeavors, the long-term objective remains clear: not only to map pollution sources but to inspire effective, grassroots-driven solutions that can be scaled nationwide.
About TARA
The Society for Technology and Action for Rural Advancement (TARA) is a social enterprise of the Development Alternatives Group, set up in 1985 at New Delhi, India. TARA’s vision is to create sustainable livelihoods on a large scale, in pursuit of which it develops and promotes “scalable solutions for people and the planet”. As an ‘incubation engine’, TARA’s organisational objectives have been defined around impact in the areas of employability, entrepreneurship, clean technology, basic needs, natural resource management, and institutional strengthening.
A mix of projects and revenue-based activities deliver a range of replicable enterprise-based business models, community development packages and capacity building solutions in five sectors - renewable energy, water sanitation and hygiene, affordable housing, livelihood support and recycling.