AI-LSEI dashboard will estimate hourly emissions of PM, NOx, CO and HC; system being tested at six locations in Nagpur and deployed in 12-13 cities across India
Nagpur, October 31: The CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based dashboard to monitor vehicular pollution using existing CCTV cameras. The technology can identify and count vehicles moving on roads and estimate the pollution generated by them.
What is the AI-LSEI Dashboard?
The AI-Integrated Line Source Emission Inventory (AI-LSEI) dashboard analyses CCTV footage to identify different categories of vehicles, record traffic movement and calculate their estimated hourly emission loads.
Using scientifically established emission factors, the system estimates emissions of key pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC).
The findings are displayed on GIS-based maps, highlighting locations and road corridors with higher estimated vehicular emissions.
Developed by NEERI’s Scientific Team
The technology has been developed by scientists from NEERI’s Air Quality Management Division under the guidance of Director S. Venkata Mohan.
The team includes Senior Scientist Rahul Vyavahare, Chief Scientist K.V. George, Jai Singh Rajput, Atharva Malode, Raj Sonarghare and Pranav V. Nair.
Deployed in 12-13 Cities Across India
According to a senior NEERI scientist, the AI-LSEI system has been deployed in approximately 12-13 cities across the country, including Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad.
The dashboard is being used to analyse CCTV footage, monitor traffic movement and estimate daily vehicular emission loads in these cities.
Six Locations Under Trial in Nagpur
NEERI has approached the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for the implementation of the technology. Currently, CCTV data from six different locations in Nagpur is being analysed.
The institute plans to approach the Maharashtra government to seek access to a wider network of CCTV cameras across the city. This would help identify vehicular pollution hotspots in near real time.
The scientific team is also preparing a preliminary inventory of pollution hotspots in Nagpur.
Construction Dust, Waste Burning Also Major Pollution Sources
NEERI scientists have pointed out that vehicular emissions are only one part of Nagpur’s air pollution problem. Construction dust, open waste burning and industrial emissions are also significant contributors.
They believe that authorities need to address these sources alongside vehicular pollution to effectively improve the city’s air quality.
How Does the Technology Work?
The AI-based system continuously records changes in traffic volume throughout the day and correlates vehicle movement with estimated emission levels.
For instance, during morning peak hours, when the number of two-wheelers and cars increases on major urban roads, the dashboard captures the rise in traffic and calculates the corresponding emission load.
It uses vehicle-related information available through the transport database, including fuel and engine technology details, along with established emission factors.
The resulting data can help authorities identify when and where vehicular emissions are highest, enabling more targeted pollution-control measures.
