In a joint collaboration IIT Delhi, through the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) an Industry Academia Interface organization for IIT Delhi, and multi-lingual social media, Koo, will commence a pilot study to report air pollution and its sources from various locations across India. Koo will disseminate Air Pollution information including Air Pollution Index (API) sourced from IIT-D, CPCB sensors.
IIT Delhi, along with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), has deployed sensors across multiple locations in India to track air pollution levels. IIT Delhi will build an API that will be integrated with the Koo API to receive pollution-related data. This data will then be shared with users on the platform in their local languages through interactive videos and visual content. Koo will start a dedicated handle to raise awareness around air pollution, which will also offer advice from medical experts on safeguarding oneself. pollution levels and its impact on society.
This joint collaboration will commence as a pilot study for six months, and will help to identify specific sources of pollution, which will support policy makers and the government with data-driven insights and evidence-based policy making.
Prof. P Vigneswara Ilavarasan, Abdulaziz Alsagar Chair Professor, Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi, said, “I am pleased to explore how scientific evidence-based information (on pollution data) can be converted for mass consumption via a multi-lingual social media platform like Koo. Customizing content to suit local languages can drive better outcomes. This pilot project has pan-India potential to encourage people to adopt practices that can ultimately curb pollution.”
Air pollution has been a key cause for concern across the country and is linked to several respiratory ailments among people. It is also known to cause a spike in temperatures. Public awareness through a partnership such as this, is therefore a crucial step towards lessening. .
Prof. Sagnik Dey, Institute Chair Professor, Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi believes air pollution is the largest environmental and health concern in India. “Without public support and mass awareness, the issue of air pollution cannot be resolved. I am excited to be part of this pilot project, which will explore people’s perception about air pollution and promote clean air practices. This will allow us to develop a more effective communications strategy and increase people’s participation.”
