The Internet of Things (IoT) is a relatively new technology for this part of the world (Indian Subcontinent). People are still acclimating to this new technology. IoT has the potential to change the world by introducing new devices that are not only intelligent but also affordable to the general public.
During the last decade, air quality has deteriorated dramatically. Pollution levels have risen to alarming levels, causing numerous health issues for people, particularly children. WHO, UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) has issued warnings and asked all nations to reduce pollution because lungs diseases are becoming more common in the public.
India is a developing country with some of the world’s most polluted cities. It is past time for the government to intervene in the day-to-day operations of the manufacturing industry and implement some protocols to reduce pollution levels in the country. The Government of India is very seriously taking up this challenge.
With technological advancements, smart devices that can track pollution levels in metropolitan cities and assist the government in reducing pollution levels have been invented. These smart devices can also monitor the amount of PM (Particulate Matter) in the atmosphere. These particulates are extremely harmful to the human body and cause severe damage to the lungs.
The Government of India (GOI), under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) with the assistance of technology companies and private partners, is installing IoT-based pollution trackers at major traffic areas and government building across the country to monitor pollution levels. The level of pollution is measured using the AQI (Air Quality Index), which ranges from 1 to 500. Depending on the severity of the readings, they are assigned a colour ranging from green to maroon. The following chart depicts the AQI norms:
| AQI Colour | Level of Concern | Value of Index | Description of Air Quality |
| Green | Good | 0-50 | The air quality is adequate, and there is little to no pollution. |
| Yellow | Moderate | 51-100 | The air quality is satisfactory. Some people, however, may be at risk, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. |
| Orange | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | 101-150 | Members of vulnerable groups may suffer health consequences. The general public will be less affected. |
| Red | Unhealthy | 151-200 | Some members of the general public may experience health effects, while members of vulnerable groups may suffer more serious health consequences. |
| Purple | Very Unhealthy | 201-300 | Health warning: Everyone is at increased risk of adverse health effects. |
| Maroon | Hazardous | 301 and higher | Emergency health warning: everyone is more likely to be affected. |
