Establishment of IIT Kanpur’s Center of Excellence for Air Quality Monitoring


IIT Kanpur’s ATMAN Center of Excellence, standing for “Advanced Technologies for Monitoring Air-quality iNdicators,” is not just another initiative; it’s a significant stride in the battle against air pollution. This establishment has positioned the institute at the forefront of efforts to combat air pollution and stands as a testament to the institute’s dedication to meticulous evaluation of health risks associated with air pollutants.

With a vision firmly rooted in the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, the ATMAN Center of Excellence is on a mission to harness indigenous low-cost sensor manufacturing and cutting-edge AI/ML capabilities to boost air quality across India’s urban and rural landscapes. This ambitious endeavor aims to bridge the gap between sustainable technologies, business models, and practical products accessible to millions globally.

The flagship project, AMRIT (Ambient Air Quality Monitoring in Rural Areas using Indigenous Technology), is breaking new ground in air quality monitoring. With a sensor ambient air quality monitor (SAAQM) network comprising 1,400 nodes stretching across rural Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, AMRIT is pioneering a comprehensive approach to monitoring air quality in regions traditionally lacking such data, which has been largely limited to urban areas.

Another groundbreaking initiative, the Dynamic Hyper-local Source Apportionment (DHSA), is a cost-effective method that’s leading the way in Lucknow and Kanpur. This innovative approach empowers authorities to make informed decisions in their air quality action planning, thus contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

The CoE ATMAN is not just a research center; it’s a catalyst for scalable indigenous sensor manufacturing and an incubator for Indian start-ups. The collaboration between science and government agencies is at the core of citizen welfare, and this venture is a testament to the synergy between academia, industry, and government agencies working together for a common goal.

It’s not just about technology; it’s about the fusion of Indigenous Technology that propels India toward self-reliance. The involvement of State Government Departments in Bihar and UP has a pivotal role in bridging the data gap, enabling data-driven Air Quality Management (AQM) policy.

In a world where clean air is increasingly scarce, the ATMAN Center of Excellence emerges as a beacon of hope. With PM2.5 prediction and airshed management, it combines micro-satellite imagery, sensor-based ambient air quality networks, and machine learning to predict PM2.5 levels at unprecedented resolutions. This innovative approach is poised to redefine how we approach air quality management in the modern age, emphasizing technology, precision, and collaboration.

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