CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
Air pollution continues to be a pressing public health concern in Indian metropolitan areas, contributing to approximately 7.2% of annual deaths nationwide. Researchers have linked prolonged exposure to particulate matter in the air to a reduction in life expectancy by as much as five years. Among the key culprits, vehicular emissions during daily commutes often go unnoticed, yet they represent a significant portion of this exposure.
The DRUM Web App: A Technological Response
To mitigate these risks, a research team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has introduced an innovative web-based application known as Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility (DRUM). The platform empowers users to select travel routes that optimise air quality and energy use, alongside conventional metrics such as time and distance.
Features And Route Options
The DRUM app presents five types of route suggestions:
Shortest route
Fastest route
Least Exposure to Air Pollution (LEAP)
Least Energy Consumption Route (LECR)
Recommended route (a balanced option considering all factors)
In practical tests, the LEAP option reduced commuter exposure to air pollution by more than 50% in Central Delhi, though it extended travel time by around 40%. In South Delhi, the LECR route managed to lower energy use by 28%. These options demonstrate the app’s potential to promote healthier and more sustainable commuting choices.
Tackling Data And Integration Challenges
Developing DRUM involved overcoming various data-related hurdles, primarily due to the limited number of real-time air quality monitoring stations in India. The team utilised data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the World Air Quality Index (WAQI), applying interpolation techniques to estimate air quality in locations without direct monitoring.
Technology Behind DRUM
The DRUM platform uses a rank-based elimination algorithm that prioritises parameters such as pollution, energy, distance, and travel time. It leverages the GraphHopper routing engine and Mapbox services for real-time navigation updates. Notably, the application can be tailored for different urban environments and vehicle types beyond the Delhi NCR region.
Future Plans And Enhancements
Encouraged by simulation outcomes, the researchers are preparing for on-ground trials. Future versions, including DRUM 2.0, aim to incorporate crowdsourced feedback and affordable sensor networks. Additionally, machine learning models are expected to enhance the app’s predictive abilities by forecasting traffic patterns and air quality, enabling smarter decisions about when and how to travel.
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