"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
27 Jan 2023
Air pollution has been an ongoing problem in cities across India, particularly in Mumbai. To reduce air pollution, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have developed a new model called Pavitra. This user-friendly tool is designed to help stakeholders decide how best to reduce fine particle (PM2.5) pollution on different scales such as city, regional, and state levels.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between IIT Bombay, the University of California Berkeley, the University of Washington, and the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP). It has also been funded by US-based Open Philanthropy with a grant of $3 million.
The model, named InMAP, is an open-source air quality model which can be run on a web platform or a desktop computer. It is user-friendly and provides scientifically sound information on the benefits of air pollution interventions. This will allow various stakeholders to get involved in the policy debate, including university scholars, non-profits, think-tanks, industries, regulatory bodies and the citizens.
The project will also help build critical mass in a user community in India by creating an indigenous hub at IIT Bombay and CSTEP for model development and capacity building. By providing this type of scientifically backed tool, IIT Bombay hopes to improve air quality in India and reduce the health risks posed by air pollution.
.jpg)