Date:22/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/22/stories/2008012251130300.htm

New Delhi

New air-monitoring stations for Delhi

Bindu Shajan Perappadan

Air-quality data to be updated on website every 15 minutes

NEW DELHI: Listed among the greenest Capitals of the world, Delhi will also soon become the most monitored city with the Central Pollution Control Board now in the final leg of its preparations to give it three more continuous air-monitoring stations.

To be set up at the cost of Rs. 80 lakh each, this latest endeavour will enable the CPCB to generate a more comprehensive all-Delhi continuous air-quality data that will be updated on the official website every 15 minutes, allowing the public a non-stop update on air quality throughout the city and assess fluctuations.

Three new stations will be enlisted taking into account expansion of Delhi over the years and growing human and vehicular population. The CPCB has already drawn up a list of “proposed sites”, of which three will be selected and put to use.“The city has in place four continuous air quality stations at Siri Fort, ITO, Delhi College of Engineering and East Delhi. This latest addition will help us cover a larger area and bring out a more comprehensive air-quality report. With three new stations, the Capital will also be the most monitored city in the country in terms of air quality,” said CPCB director S.D. Makhijani.