Assam: Air quality monitoring system installed at Bajali HS School to promote climate awareness
Pathsala: In a step aimed at promoting environmental awareness and climate education among students, an Air Quality Monitoring System has been installed at Bajali Higher Secondary School in lower Assam's Pathsala.
The system was installed by the Bajali district administration in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department.
The initiative is expected to help students observe and understand local air pollution levels while encouraging greater responsibility toward environmental protection.
According to officials, the monitoring device will measure key air quality parameters and provide real-time data on pollution levels in the area. The system typically tracks indicators such as PM2.5, PM10, carbon dioxide, and other gases that are important for assessing environmental health.
The installation programme was attended by Bajali District Commissioner Mridul Kumar Das, president of Mahabahu Climate Forum Anjan Sarma, environmental activist and Director of Green Mission Bajali Ananda Khataniyar, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the North Kamrup Division T. C. Ranjith Ram, and Bajali Higher Secondary School Principal Ranjan Chakraborty.
The event was conducted by writer Pulu Kumar Sarma, while Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate of Bajali Ashfaque Laskar extended special cooperation in organising the programme.
On the occasion, a book titled Everyday Climate Action was also launched in the presence of the guests.
Speaking at the event, Anjan Sarma said Bajali was chosen for installing the monitoring system to promote environmental awareness and climate education among students. He noted that direct exposure to the equipment would spark curiosity among students about environmental issues and encourage them to take responsibility for protecting nature.
Sarma also said that since the formation of Bajali district, District Commissioner Mridul Kumar Das has shown a strong commitment to addressing climate change through awareness initiatives and community engagement.
Addressing the gathering, Das emphasised the need for greater discussion and awareness about climate change.
He noted that although the issue may sometimes appear distant, its impacts are already visible in places like Byrnihat in Meghalaya, where severe air pollution has affected residents’ daily lives.
Environmental activist Ananda Khataniyar described the installation of such a system in a government school as an encouraging step, saying it would help monitor pollution levels while also building awareness among students and the wider community.
Teachers and students of the school, along with representatives from government and private institutions, welcomed the initiative, noting that the monitoring system would also support environmental education and research activities.