People will be soon able to know the quality of the air they breathe.
The Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) is installing public display systems that provide real-time information on the quality of the air in various parts of the state.
The system would be installed first on a pilot basis at three places — Thampanoor here, and Vyttila and Eloor in Eranakulam.
Various parameters of air pollution, including the presence of sulpher dioxide, nitrogen oxides and respirable suspended particulate matters would be shown on the display boards.
“We have invited expression of interest (EoI) for setting up the automated, ambient, air-quality monitoring stations. They would be installed during this fiscal,” said board chairman K. Sajeevan.
Once it is found to be effective at the three spots, it would be extended to more parts of the state.
At present, manual ambient air quality monitoring systems are placed at 29 locations in the state.
However, automated online facility is being set up in the state for the first time.
The cost for one automated ambient air-quality monitoring system would be around Rs 1 crore.
The main purpose of displaying the air pollution standards is to make people aware of the pollution levels.
The authorities could make use of the facility to initiate steps to reduce pollution, like reducing the traffic along a stretch.
“At present the pollution levels in the state are below the acceptable standards,” said Sajeevan.