Gandhinagar, March 10 (NationPress) The government of Gujarat is set to unveil a cutting-edge digital monitoring system aimed at assessing the health of urban lakes and the quality of air across various cities. This initiative, named “Lake and Air Watch”, will be launched by the Gujarat Urban Development Mission (GUDM) and will encompass municipal areas statewide.

This program will implement monitoring systems in 17 municipal corporations and 152 municipalities, utilizing a cohesive digital platform to evaluate air quality and lake conditions.

With an estimated budget of Rs 10 crore, the project is designed to deliver real-time data and proactive alerts, allowing authorities to respond promptly to environmental issues.

The state government indicates that this initiative aligns with broader objectives to enhance urban sustainability, contributing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for “Viksit Bharat @2047”.

Officials highlight Gujarat's role as a vital growth hub, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's administration committed to fostering smart and sustainable urban development.

The program will integrate existing monitoring systems from various departments into a singular digital platform, ensuring real-time updates on air quality and lake health.

This platform will empower authorities to receive alerts and act swiftly on environmental challenges.

Urban lakes in numerous cities are currently grappling with issues like pollution, silt build-up, and declining water quality.

The “Lake and Air Watch” initiative will leverage satellite technology to scrutinize aspects such as lake surface area, signs of pollution, and algae proliferation.

Alerts generated by this advanced system will facilitate timely conservation actions by authorities.

Additionally, air quality monitoring stations will be established throughout the municipal corporations and municipalities.

These sensors will provide real-time data regarding the Air Quality Index (AQI). Should AQI levels escalate, the system will autonomously issue alerts, enabling relevant departments to take immediate measures.

The information gathered through these monitoring systems will be centralized at the state level via a digital dashboard.

This dashboard will feature maps, trends, alerts, and updates on actions taken, enhancing coordination among departments tasked with environmental management.

Officials assert that the system will also ensure transparency by making information accessible to citizens, which is expected to bolster public awareness concerning urban environmental conditions.

The Gujarat government anticipates that the “Lake and Air Watch” initiative will contribute significantly to the sustainable development of its cities in the face of climate change.