Japanese delegation visits Panjab University

Chandigarh, June 24

A delegation of Japanese scientists, along with the Secretary, Economic Section, Embassy of Japan, India, visited Panjab University today.

Japanese scientists are currently working in collaboration with Dr Suman Mor, Department of Environment Studies, in Aakash project (An interdisciplinary study toward clean air, public health and sustainable agriculture: The case of crop residue burning in North India). The project focuses on the reduction of air pollution in North India from crop residue burning.

The Director, Research and Development Cell (RDC), Panjab University, Prof Sudhir Kumar, interacted with the delegation and held discussion with Yoshida Yuki, Secretary, Economic Section, Embassy of Japan, India, on strengthening collaborations with Panjab University in the field of science, technology, art and culture through dual degree programme, including student exchange.

Prof Kumar apprised efforts of Dr Mor for her continuous work and contribution in the environmental research, science and communication field.

Prof Yutaka Matsumi, Nagoya University, Japan, and Dr Tanbir Singh, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN), Kyoto, Japan, mentioned that they had recently set up air quality monitoring sensors over the Indo-Gangetic Plain of India under the guidance of Dr Suman Mor, PU, and Prof Ravindra Khaiwal, PGIMER, Chandigarh.

Recently, Panjab University developed a “Super urban monitoring of air pollution and networking site” at Sector 25, near the continuous air quality monitoring station. This super site has partnered with the NASA citizen science project, USA; Aakash project, Japan; CSTEP, India; and the University of Leicester, UK.

Dr Mor highlighted that this was the unique site for validating and standardising near-real-time air quality sensors.

The Indo-Japanese delegation also discussed strengthening the joint scientific research for the common public’s benefit. The delegation also focused on identifying practical solutions for the seasonal air pollution issues and how to minimise its adverse impacts for the overall improvement of the environment and human health.