IIT Delhi: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has collaborated with the social media platform ‘Koo’ to create awareness on air pollution. IIT Delhi, through the foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), an academic organisation for IIT Delhi has recently announced its partnership with the Koo.
This collaboration will read to a wide range of audiences including first-time social media users, with content in local languages on pollution levels and possible remedies to curb the impact.
With the help of the Central Pollution Control Board, IIT Delhi has deployed sensors in numerous areas in India to track air pollution levels. The institution builds an API that will be integrated with the social media API so that it can receive pollution-related data.
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After that, the collected data will then be shared with the social media users over the platform in their respective languages via interactive content. The platform will dedicate a handle to raising awareness and will also offer advice from medical experts.
“Air pollution has been a key cause for concern across the country and is linked to several respiratory ailments among people. It is also known to cause a spike in temperatures. Public awareness through a partnership such as this, is therefore a crucial step towards lessening pollution levels and its impact on society,” said an official statement from IIT Delhi.
The collaboration will begin as a head study for 6 months to help identify particular sources of pollution and then later it will support policymakers and the government with evidence-based policy making, it said.
Professor P Vigneswara Ilavarasan, Abdulaziz Alsagar Chair Professor, Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi, said, “I am pleased to explore how scientific evidence-based information (on pollution data) can be converted for mass consumption via a multi-lingual social media platform like Koo. Customizing content to suit local languages can drive better outcomes. This pilot project has pan-India potential to encourage people to adopt practices that can ultimately curb pollution.”
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Professor Sagnik Dey, Institute Chair Professor, Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi believes air pollution is the largest environmental and health concern in India. “Without public support and mass awareness, the issue of air pollution cannot be resolved. I am excited to be part of this pilot project, which will explore people’s perception about air pollution and promote clean air practices. This will allow us to develop a more effective communications strategy and increase people’s participation.”
Co-founder and CEO, Koo, Aprameya Radhakrishna, said, “Social media is for the public good. As a responsible platform which has raised awareness on issues of public concern, Koo is best positioned to work jointly with IIT Delhi to address the issue of air pollution. Through the Multi-lingual Kooing (MLK) feature, Koo can help to build awareness at the individual, community and government levels. Together, we can ensure that concerns related to air pollution cease to be a part of our children’s future.”
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