The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Council has approved a new project to monitor pollution across the city. On Friday, the council passed a resolution to install environmental sensors at 75 locations. These sensors will provide real-time information on 18 different types of pollution and environmental factors. The data will be shared with the public through the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).
Along with the sensors, display boards will be set up at each location. Residents will be able to see real-time readings for air quality, particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, noise pollution, temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, rainfall, and other environmental factors. If the readings exceed safe limits, the corporation will take immediate remedial action to protect public health.
“We have selected 75 locations, including industrial areas, commercial hubs, and densely populated neighborhoods. All 18 types of data will also be saved for research purposes. This is an innovative way for the public to see and understand environmental pollution in real-time,” said a GCC official.
Four companies have submitted bids to install the sensors and display boards. The system will also help monitor vehicular emissions in busy traffic areas and assess heat wave conditions across the city. Councillors have specifically requested real-time monitoring near dumpyards in Perungudi and Kodungaiyur, to ensure that residents get timely information about pollution in their neighborhoods.
The GCC plans to share this data with residents in all 15 city zones, so that communities can take steps to reduce exposure to harmful pollution. This project is expected to make Chennai one of the first cities in India with such a wide real-time environmental monitoring network, helping improve public health and awareness.