A Bengal-based NGO working in the environmental sector will set up real-time air quality monitors at schools in the most polluted cities of Jharkhand to educate students and youths about air pollution.

The announcement was made by the Calcutta-based NGO SwitchON Foundation on the occasion of Earth Day.

“We would be setting up over 20 real-time air quality monitors in leading schools of Jharkhand, especially in cities which are known for worst air pollution or non-attainment cities (A non-attainment city is one whoseair did not meet the national ambient air quality standards of 2011 to 2015). The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched forsuch cities, seeking to bring a 20-30 per cent reduction in pollution levels from PM2 (Particulate Matter),” said the foundation spokesperson Gargi Maitra on Friday.

“This initiative is supported by the Clean Air Toolbox Program of Columbia University, New York. The objective is to make children and youth aware about the air pollution and to encourage them to protect themselves and take positive action,” added the spokesperson.

Similar real-time air quality monitors at schools and institutions across Bengal and Odisha too. The distribution would be done after the school reopens post-summer vacation.

“The foundation team along with experts and advisors will train students on how to use the air quality data from these monitors and government monitors, prepare reports and spread awareness amongst their campus and community and take positive action through the school academic year,” she added.

The Air Quality Monitors will report minute-by-minute changes in the air quality levels and provide alerts if pollution levels rise.

“With setting up multiple air quality monitors, SwitchON Foundation sets forth the Inter School Clean Air Championship Programme where more than 100 schools will be boarded across Jharkhand, Bengal and Odisha. Inter School Clean Air Championship Programme will create awareness amongst students on air pollution through training through our unique online learning management platform, students will organise and participate in workshops, events and competitions throughout the year,” added the spokesperson.

Special programmes would be held specifically on days like Environment Day, World Health Day etc.

Schools will take up projects such as waste management drives in their schools and the best-performing schools will be awarded for their innovation and reach at the end of the year based on a grading system, a panel of juries will announce awards to participating schools based on their creativity, outreach and the impact their activity on the environment.

Multiple organisations are supporting the interschool clean air championship programme are Earth Day Network, WWF, Garbage Free India, the National Museum of Natural History, ministry of forest environment and climate change.

Managing director of SwitchON Foundation Vinay Jaju said: “Our foundation believes that children and youth are leaders of tomorrow, it is crucial for them to understand the significance of sustainable living and take concrete steps to address the issue of air pollution.

“The interschool clean air championship provides a unique opportunity for schools to not only learn about the importance of clean air but also actively engage in efforts to improve air quality in their campuses and communities.”