Will Chennai Enhance Air Quality Monitoring with 75 New Sensors?

Chennai, July 31 (NationPress) The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has embarked on a significant initiative to enhance the city’s environmental monitoring framework by deploying 75 new Internet of Things (IoT)-based environmental sensors across all 15 zones.

These state-of-the-art devices will connect to the city’s Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), facilitating real-time monitoring of air quality and various climate parameters.

Currently, Chennai operates merely 15 functioning environmental sensors that monitor pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, SO₂, CO, and O₃, alongside temperature, humidity, and ambient light.

The expanded sensor network will significantly improve the city’s capacity to gather detailed, neighbourhood-level data and respond promptly to pollution incidents. According to the project outline, a sensor will be installed for every 4 sq. km to encompass Chennai’s 426 sq. km area.

The city will be segmented into 100 polygons, with 75 designated as high-priority zones for immediate installation. Key locations include Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs), government schools, zonal offices, and other public buildings, especially in densely populated regions.

The new-generation sensors will surpass the capabilities of previous models by also gauging wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, and atmospheric pressure. This extensive data will facilitate the generation of localized Air Quality Index (AQI) readings, issue alerts for smog or heatwaves, aid in traffic emission control, and bolster the implementation of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) at the city level.

To promote public awareness, the sensors will be connected to display boards placed at strategic locations, allowing citizens to observe real-time AQI levels in their vicinity.

The data is also anticipated to assist authorities in predicting smog formation, planning responses to heatwaves, and developing evidence-based clean air policies.

The project, estimated at Rs 6.36 crore, encompasses sensor supply and installation, ICCC integration, public display board setup, and ongoing operations and maintenance.

Officials stated that the new system will provide more detailed environmental insights, enabling the GCC to act swiftly during pollution events and climate-related emergencies.

Once fully operational, the expanded network is expected to revolutionize Chennai’s environmental monitoring, delivering high-resolution data throughout the city, ultimately enhancing public health and resilience against climate risks.