In response to the growing concern over air pollution in Panvel City, the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken a significant step forward by inviting proposals for a state-of-the-art mobile air quality monitoring vehicle. The vehicle is set to be deployed across all four wards of the corporation in an effort to address the escalating pollution levels.
The Need for Air Quality Monitoring
With a population of over 1.6 million residents, Panvel City has witnessed a rapid increase in urbanization and mounting concerns from environmentalists regarding air quality. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a mobile air quality monitoring vehicle to combat the rising levels of air pollution within the city. Within PMC's jurisdiction, industrial units are interspersed with residential areas, notably in Kharghar, Kalamboli, and Panvel. Citizens, especially during the winter, have frequently voiced complaints about poor air quality, forcing them to remain indoors with windows tightly shut due to the noxious odors originating from the industrial units in Taloja. However, a lack of comprehensive air monitoring systems at key locations has made it difficult to gauge real-time air quality.
Stark Revelations from an Air Quality Study
In 2021, the Waatavaran Foundation conducted an air quality study that uncovered a grim reality for residents in the Kharghar-Taloja-Panvel corridor. The study revealed that these residents were exposed to polluted air for up to 17 hours a day. To underscore the gravity of the situation, a substantial "breathing" lung installation was set up in Kharghar, which quickly darkened, indicating high pollution levels. The then-mayor, Dr. Kavita Choutmal, called for the formation of an expert committee to investigate the deteriorating air quality and rallied citizens and authorities to unite in the pursuit of cleaner air.
Cutting-Edge Monitoring Capabilities
According to the request for proposals (RFP), the selected bidder will be responsible for providing a Mobile Air Quality Monitoring vehicle and managing its operation and maintenance for a seven-year period. This initiative plays a pivotal role in the National Clean Air Program (NCAP), aimed at effectively countering air pollution. The robust mobile vehicle will be equipped with an analyzer to monitor PM 2.5 and PM 10, as well as a multi-gas calibration system to measure levels of SO2, NO, CO, O3, and NH3. This advanced technology will provide real-time data and insights into air quality, enabling prompt responses to mitigate pollution.
Regional Initiatives for Cleaner Air
In April 2023, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation launched the Navi Mumbai City Clean Air Action Plan (NCAP) to improve air quality. The plan includes activities like regular road washing, recycling water to conserve drinking water, and maintaining fountains at traffic intersections. Efforts are also being made to protect flamingo habitats and address air pollution from dust-prone quarries and concrete plants. Municipal Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar oversees the program, emphasizing its importance in Panvel City's efforts to combat air pollution and safeguard residents' health.
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