There is MPCB has increasing need of the AAQM stations in the State for covering important cities, industrial areas and also, sensitive areas. The present network of AAQM of 45 stations is not adequate to represent entire Maharashtra.

Considering the various aspects, we had proposed to CPCB that all these already approved NAMP stations will be managed by MPCB, by augmenting the entire Air quality monitoring network. In the augmentation and strengthening process, some stations will be added at cities covered under NAMP and some new cities/ industrial areas will be monitored.

The justification for selection of the identified locations is also presented in the table. The major cities need a systematic air quality data in view of the increasing public awareness. The major industrial areas like Tarapur, TTC, Taloja etc. also require extensive air monitoring, as there are residential growth centers near all major industrial areas. The strengthening also include developing a systematic State Air Monitoring Program to support the NAMP. The activities under SAMP will be independently be handled by MPCB.

Accordingly, we have submitted a detailed proposal on the strengthening of AAQM to CPCB for providing financial support on 18.3.05. The proposed strengthening of NAMP stations from 28 to 58 stations will be supported by CPCB by providing 50% matching contribution to MPCB. The proposed SAMP covering 27 stations will be managed by MPCB on its own.

All these AAQM stations will be operated by MPCB through the external educational/research institutions. The proposed augmentation program also indicates identified educational institutes for each station. MPCB will coordinate all activities of NAMP and MPCB and will provide CPCB a consolidated data for the state of Maharashtra. MPCB will also regularly supervise the operation of these stations and ensure the quality control aspects. MPCB also intend to give a short training for these institutes for the effective operation of the stations.

The data base management for such extensive air quality network involves expert computational capabilities. The data generated through this network needs to be regularly uploaded on website after necessary validation. This data also needs to be published on minimum six monthly basis for public information and further uses. It is therefore proposed that this work related to collection, compilation, validation and publishing of the data can be handed over to reputed institutes like Science and Technology Park, University of Pune.

It is also proposed that the proposed arrangements with the institutions can be for longer duration, can be about 5 years. After 5 years, the equipments will have to replace. This will offer better utilization of the capital support given by MPCB and will also generated more interest at the institute’s level. It is intended to enter into an MoU with these institutes for the proposed association.