Now Reading: Kochi air quality stations at Vyttila and Kaloor non-functional
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Kochi air quality stations at Vyttila and Kaloor non-functional
The Story in Brief
Real-time air pollution monitoring at Kochi's Vyttila and Kaloor stations remains unavailable, with the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) saying both Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) are non-functional. The annual operation and maintenance contracts for these stations expired on October 22, 2023, and renewal was rejected after the contractor allegedly quoted a higher rate. A re-tender notice for maintenance covering Vyttila, Kaloor, Eloor and Palayam was issued on January 1, 2026.
Officials said an agency has been shortlisted and discussions to finalise terms are progressing, with plans to award the contract soon. The Eloor station remains functional, though its annual maintenance contract expired in 2025, and talks to renew that agreement have begun. Manual testing of air pollution levels is being carried out in areas including Vyttila and Irumpanam, the board said.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The non-functional stations leave Kochi without continuous real-time air quality data, forcing reliance on manual sampling that offers periodic snapshots rather than live readings. The stalled contracts, first expiring in October 2023 after a higher quoted rate, show how procurement disputes can disable critical public health infrastructure for years. Residents in Vyttila and Kaloor, busy junctions, are most affected, as are those nearby who cannot access current pollution levels. The board's shortlisting of an agency is a concrete step, but the final award and contract signing remain the unresolved point. Whether the new terms avoid the pricing dispute that blocked renewal will determine how soon monitoring resumes.
Source: thehindu.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
