Haryana Boosts Air Quality Monitoring Network

Haryana has initiated the installation of 12 new air monitoring stations to bolster pollution surveillance in areas with insufficient coverage. Bid documents have been released for the supply, installation, commissioning, and five-year operation of these stations, which will be strategically placed in Charkhi Dadri and Mahendergarh (five each), Rewari, and Jhajjar.

These additional stations are poised to significantly enhance the state's capacity for round-the-clock monitoring of key pollutants and meteorological parameters. The data gathered will be crucial for calculating the Air Quality Index (AQI), identifying pollution hotspots, and assessing compliance with environmental norms. Experts have highlighted existing gaps in Haryana's monitoring network, particularly outside urban centers.

Officials anticipate that a denser monitoring network will allow for more accurate identification of pollution sources and a better assessment of mitigation measure effectiveness. The selected agencies will manage the stations for five years, ensuring continuous data generation. This expansion aligns with a growing focus on data-driven pollution management and targeted interventions.

Furthermore, Haryana is installing 23 monitoring stations in other NCR districts by the end of August, funded by various agencies including GMDA, FMDA, HSPCB, and through the World Bank-supported Arjun project. Stations under the Arjun project in Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Sonipat will offer advanced capabilities, providing insights into pollution sources and contributing factors to aid in planning and mitigation efforts.