London Bridge is falling down, falling down, my fair lady!
This nursery rhyme corroborates the current situation of Delhi pollution. The only difference is there is not a bridge but an entire city at peril.
The Air quality index of the national capital has fallen sharply. It stood in the range of 204-250 on an average in October. CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) has already started issuing corrective measures and actions. One such step is GRAP (graded response action plan) which included shutting of the Badarpur Power Plant recently.
Ergo, Delhi plans to launch buses with pre- fitted air filters in the coming months.
But, is that enough? Certainly not! It’s just the beginning.
This has given rise to mandatory inventions and innovations for the time being. Let us understand the nuances of such premonitions and why rigorous actions need to be taken.
Air filters: Solution of Pollution
The air filters are not an entirely new concept. They were first introduced as public safety devices in the 16th century. Leonardo Da Vinci is also said to have designed a prototype for human use. Till the 70s, air-purifiers gained well business. But, this was not enough with the changing times and hence invention of better air filters emerged.
This life saving device ideated and structured by MRIIC (Manav Rachna Innovation and Incubation Centre) is our modern age Marvel comic hero. The device purifies the air when it passes through its filters. The Faridabad based centre of this creation believes to make human lives better. Another such example is the use of air filters on public diesel buses in Southampton, UK.
How does it work?
The basic idea of a filter is to wipe out and filter the dangerous impurities present in air. This is done with the mechanism of impingement. The minute deadly particles get trapped in the filter, while the bus is en route on road, thus allowing the air to be purified. Depending on the environment and the kind of situation, different kinds of filters are already in use. This is important because there is human life at risk. Ergo, the arrival of air filters in public transportation is one such step taken to tackle this human consuming giant.
The air is the limit
Under the emergency plan (GRAP) the following is the defined air quality and action plan to execute-
Moderate to poor category: For this kind of ‘air quality’ corrective measures are to be taken which includes stopping of garbage burning in landfills and the like. To ensure there is regulation, a proper check would be imposed on brick kilns and industrial air-waste.
Very poor category: Ceasing utilisation of diesel generator sets, increasing frequency of metro and buses as transportation, increasing parking fee for vehicles would be implemented.
Severe category: This situation calls for amplifying the frequency of mechanised cleaning of roads, identifying dust producing roads for sprinkling water and ensuring no dust particles get in excess.
Severe plus emergency category: Banning excess entry of trucks into Delhi, halting construction activities and appointing task force to take decision on emergency steps which may include closing of schools and organizations for certain duration of time.
The toxic limit we can bear
Air consists of very minute particles. It can play host to a lot of unwanted entities. Diseases like asthama and bronchital disorders are just the tip of this monstrous iceberg. There is a long list of health hazards that come along with depraved air. Delhi air quality is a fine example of how disastrous air can become if not taken care of. In order to breathe healthy air, there is a scale called PM scale categorised into PM 2.5 and PM 10 scale to rate its quality. PM or Particle Matter scale is the parameter by which contamination of air is defined. PM 10 is the least dangerous with PM 2.5 being considered the most harmful. It is in this range that the air quality index starts tolling alarming bells. This scale corresponds to those minute particles (to the size of millimeter) that can settle in our respiratory system.
Air pollution facts
The dangerous facts demanding drastic steps towards this perilous situation are-
- The Air quality index measured have main pollutants of-air particulate, gas contents, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and ground level gas density. These are human killers.
- The normal air quality of these pollutants varies from one pollutant to another. Therefore, they must be curbed and always be under control.
- The scale is measured from Green to Black indicators with black being the worst non humane condition to survive. The series goes as Green- Yellow-Orange-Red-Brown-Black/Grey.
- Air pollution can give rise to lowered mental health and is carcigenous. 92% of the world is beyond the ‘safe-limit’ set by WHO (almost the entire world is suffering).
- Delhi pollution has made it the topmost deadly state in the world to live, in terms of basic human survival.
Must Read: How Buses Are Key To Success For Improving Air Quality?
- Delhi’s score stands at 4.63 (out of the scale of 10) in terms of implemented plan against combating air pollution. This score is far from satisfactory.
AQI of Delhi stood around ~250 in October. It crossed the Red Colour indicator in the AQI scale. Hence, the need for air filters arose.
The promise of air filters
According to Prof. B.S Gill, the head of research team behind ‘Pariyayantra’ (air-filters), these devices can purify upto 98% of particulate matter. The device fitted on the roof of the vehicles would not require any power to operate. The developing team also stated on its working efficiency equivalent to six room air-filters.
The principle behind it would be simple passing of air through the Pariyayantra and purifying air in the process.
For a better tomorrow
A healthy mind lies in a healthy body. To survive we need ‘air’ first and foremost. When the mind is without fear and healthy, only then we can achieve true success in our times collectively. To ensure buses remain our best companions, this technology is here to stay.
JCBL Group 