Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurates the Advanced Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory (AATAL) at IITM, New Delhi, on March 31, 2023. The lab is a unique 'Air Pollution Analysis' facility for Delhi NCR due to concerns over air pollution in the region.
Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the Advanced Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory (AATAL) at IITM, New Delhi on March 31, 2023. This lab is significant as it is the world’s first of its kind 'Air Pollution Analysis' facility for Delhi NCR due to public concern over air pollution in the region.
The laboratory was established under 'Mission Mausam', an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen scientific understanding of atmospheric pollution. The Minister chose Delhi-NCR as the location because of the serious public concern over air pollution.
The new laboratory is equipped with advanced instruments for analyzing the chemical composition of atmospheric gases and aerosols, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), metals, toxic elements, and other components. It can further distinguish metallic elements, micro plastics, or other carcinogenic elements present in the air and send alerts to health authorities.
The Minister emphasized the importance of coordination among government agencies and described the initiative as an example of the whole-of-government approach advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, bringing together scientific institutions, environmental authorities, pollution-control agencies, and disaster-management stakeholders.
Source:
Akashvani News
