New Delhi, Nov 28 (NationPress) As urban environments become increasingly polluted, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have developed a groundbreaking technology designed to keep city streets clean and eliminate harmful airborne dust. The dust generated on roads is one of the primary contributors to air pollution in metropolitan areas. Breathing in this dust, especially fine particles known as PM2.5, can lead to various health issues, including asthma, coughing, and other respiratory diseases.

In India, street cleaning is predominantly performed using long broomsticks, a method that is not only labor-intensive but also puts sweepers at risk due to exposure to hazardous dust.

While there are larger machines available, they are often prohibitively expensive and struggle to navigate narrow lanes or crowded areas.

The innovative device introduced is a user-friendly and affordable walk-behind machine that effectively replaces traditional brooms, cleaning roads more thoroughly and safely. This technology aims to safeguard the health of workers while contributing to cleaner urban environments.

“We aimed to create a technology that enhances air quality while ensuring the safety and ease of work for manual sweepers. This device is intended to make a tangible difference on the ground,” stated Prof. S. M. Shiva Nagendra from the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Madras, in a conversation with IANS.

The Road Dust Collector (RDC) utilizes a unique cyclone separator system that collects both fine and coarse dust, storing them in separate compartments. The fine dust can even be repurposed for creating products like earthen pots. Additionally, it features a self-adjusting brush that operates efficiently on uneven and sloped roads.

Powered by a compact battery-operated fan, the device is designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Its lightweight and compact form makes it ideal for narrow streets and bustling urban areas.

This new technology is set to enhance public health by minimizing dust pollution and reducing the likelihood of respiratory illnesses. It also aids workers by mitigating their direct exposure to dust and alleviating physical strain.

Moreover, cities will benefit financially as this low-cost, durable, and easy-to-maintain device decreases the amount of dust that is resuspended into the atmosphere.

IIT Madras has partnered with Envitran Smart Systems to facilitate the commercialization of this innovative technology.