Mumbai: BMC likely to launch command-control centre for hyper-local air quality data to combat pollution

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Mumbai's civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is currently in the process of establishing a command and control centre for the collection of data through sensor-based air quality index (AQI) monitoring devices, an official told PTI on Thursday.

According to the report, the proposal is currently in progress, with the devices slated for installation across various areas of the city to gather "hyper-local" information. The official, however, said that no formal proposal has been drafted in connection with this initiative.

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Just a day earlier, Mumbai's guardian minister, Deepak Kesarkar, informed reporters that six technologies, including vehicle-mounted air filters, have been identified to mitigate air pollution in the city. It was revealed that approximately 350 buses operated by Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) will be equipped with "vehicle-mounted filters" aimed at the "removal of impurities" from dust and other particles. This announcement came during Kesarkar's address at a press conference.

According to the latest data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR-India), the overall AQI in Mumbai was recorded at 133 (moderate) on Thursday evening. Notably, the air quality at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, situated in the southern part of the city, was categorized as "very poor" with an AQI of 301 last Friday evening.

Tech-based solutions to combat air pollution

The authorities, in a bid to combat air pollution in Mumbai, are considering utilisation of technology-based interventions including fitting vehicle-mounted air filters on as many as 350 Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) buses, deploying virtual chimneys at congested traffic spots and installation of air purification systems in gardens in the city.

Deepak Kesarkar, the Guardian minister of Mumbai, had on Wednesday said that new electric buses fitted with vehicle-mounted filters should be introduced to expedite the process. Additionally, "Vayu" streetlights will be installed at 50 locations to aid in air purification.

Additionally, the BMC has ordered 350 vehicles equipped with sprinklers or fog cannons; they have also been serving notices to readymix concrete units and directing industries to increase chimney heights.

Bombay HC hearing on AQI

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday noted that authorities have not taken steps to create health advisories or awareness among citizens concerning deteriorating levels of the Air Quality Index (AQI) prevalent in the city. The bench issued a notice to Maharashtra and Union governments, BMC, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and Central Pollution Control Board asking them to respond with measures undertaken to combat pollution.