AMC's new sensors to keep track of Ozone layer, oxygen concentration

Taking a small step towards creating a Smart City, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is all set to gain and give information on real-time noise pollution, the ozone layer, oxygen concentration and sunlight. In the coming months, the civic body will introduce ultra-modern environment sensors and provide environmental data.

Termed as ultra-modern environment sensors, 25 units across the city will map sunlight, ultra violate rays, temperature, humidity, noise level, ozone, oxygen and nitrogen dioxide. Currently, there are ten SAFAR stations across the city which are providing information on PM2.5 and PM10 levels. The newly introduced system will also read the air pollution level.

"This is a part of the Smart City project. We are going to install 25 environment sensors which will give real-time information on noise pollution, sunlight, humidity, oxygen concentration. This will be different than the SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research) air quality monitoring units in a way there are many add-ons in the system," said Rakesh Shankar, CEO of Smart city Ahmedabad Company Limited and deputy municipal commissioner, AMC.

Information on sunlight will be very important for future, in a case to install a solar panel. "The system will give information on sun radiation which will be useful to install a solar panel. Gathering data on the sunlight, this will give an accurate picture where to install the panel so that solar energy can be gained throughout the year," remarked Shankar.

Out of the 25 upcoming units, each one will cover two wards and impart real-time information.

The information will be displayed on 126 LED boards, on the mobile application, website etc. "When we talk about a Smart City, we include all aspects of a happy and healthy living. Introducing the ultra-modern environment sensors is a way to guide people, give them health advisory. By giving real-time noise pollution data of particular pocket or to display oxygen concentration will advise people to avoid places or where they can go without any trouble," said the CEO.

It is to be noted that Shankar recently received an award for being the best CEO of a Smart City project.