Nepali youth creates handheld air pollution measuring device, 4.1 million rupees worth of work done in 35 thousand

Kathmandu: While studying at the Army Residential College, Sakriya Pandey often noticed the air pollution monitoring station near the school. A large, complex device was used there to measure air pollution, which wasn’t easy to operate.

Looking at that machine, he imagined creating a smaller, simpler version one day. Now 19, Pandey has developed a small, low-cost, and portable air quality monitoring device. He and three others have launched a startup called “VayuDrishti” and built the air quality measuring device.

Sakriya’s sisters Shreesha Pandey (23), Manjila Pandey (21), and Vikram Thapa (25) are also part of VayuDrishti. Sakriya serves as the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shreesha handles finance and marketing, Manjila oversees technology, and Vikram leads research.

The team created the VayuDrishti Air Monitoring Device about a year and a half ago. The device is palm-sized and displays real-time air pollution data. The device uses a proprietary algorithm. According to the creators, it merges satellite data with ground-level readings to provide pollution data for an area of 10 square kilometers.

They say that existing devices used in Nepal for pollution and weather monitoring can only cover up to one square kilometer. Those devices can cost up to 30,000 US dollars (around 4.1 million rupees), making them inaccessible for many. In contrast, the VayuDrishti Air Monitoring Device is much more affordable. Its base price is 250 US dollars (about 35,000 rupees). The device can measure and forecast rainfall probability, wind direction, and wind speed. Prices increase based on the number of data parameters selected.

The device can also forecast air quality and weather conditions up to a week in advance. It includes alerts about forest fire risks as well. 

Live data on air pollution in all seven provinces on the website

Air pollution data from all seven provinces of Nepal is available for free on the VayuDrishti website. The site also displays data for select cities in India and Pakistan. Users can view air quality in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Bangalore, Kanpur, and Lucknow in India, and Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad International Airport, Islamabad, and Peshawar in Pakistan.

Pandey said the website receives good traffic from users tracking pollution data. “We’ve recorded up to 98,000 monthly visitors,” he said. The site sees about 1,000 daily users, with more traffic coming from India than Nepal.

The website also explains the health effects of different levels of air pollution. It offers guidance on whether to wear a mask, stay indoors, use an air purifier, exercise outdoors, or take precautions for children and the elderly, based on real-time pollution conditions in each user’s area.

According to Pandey, local governments have shown interest in using the device for weather data. The startup is also working with government bodies including the Department of Water and Meteorology and the Department of Environment. The World Bank has also installed their device.

Device certification from US EPA

The VayuDrishti system has received certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). After completing the device, Pandey initially tried to get certification from the Nepal government. But there was no clear process in place for certifying such technology. With help from the US Embassy, the device was certified by the US EPA. The Nepal government has accepted this certification.

The VayuDrishti team has also developed an AI system that analyzes how air pollution affects human health. It processes lung X-rays and generates medical charts that show pollution-related impacts. Medical students at a college in Maharajgunj were trained on how to use the system.

‘Air Army’ to raise awareness about air pollution

Pandey says air pollution in Nepal is a serious issue. “Statistics show that around 900 to 1,000 people die each week due to air pollution in Nepal. The government and the public both need to take this seriously.” He added that the startup is also building an ‘Air Army’ to raise awareness about the issue.

To support this, they’ve been offering free awareness classes in various schools. These sessions provide information about air quality and encourage students to help create a cleaner environment. Students who perform well are recognized with medals.

Plans to raise investment through crowdfunding

Pandey said the VayuDrishti Air Monitoring Device was developed in Nepal. The sensors are imported from China, and other raw materials are also sourced internationally, but the device is assembled locally.

As interest in the device grows, the company is working on new products. They are developing an air purifier and an AI-powered pollution forecasting system. The company is currently bootstrapping. “We’ve just started generating some profit,” Pandey said. He added that they now plan to raise investment through crowdfunding.

 

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: साउन १९, २०८२ १४:२८

टिप्पणीहरू