PATIALA, June 1 — In a significant step towards tackling indoor air pollution, a PhD scholar from Punjabi University has developed and patented a cutting-edge real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) detector designed specifically for indoor environments.
The university announced on Sunday the successful design patent registration of the device, developed by Bachandeep Bhathal from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, under the guidance of Gaurav Gupta and Brahmaleen Sidhu, with contributions from Gurjit Bhattal and Priyanka Gupta.
Bhathal said the device offers a compact, user-friendly solution for real-time monitoring of air quality in classrooms, hospitals, offices, shopping malls, party halls, theatres and homes. It is designed for continuous indoor tracking and instant display of air purity levels, allowing users to take timely interventions like improving ventilation or activating purifiers.
Professor Sidhu highlighted the device’s focus on indoor air monitoring, a gap in most existing AQI systems which typically focus on outdoor conditions. “Its portability, aesthetics, and real-time data display make it ideal for daily use,” she added.
Professor Gupta said the device arrives at a critical time, as indoor air pollution in Punjab is rising due to dust, biomass smoke, and poor ventilation. “Instant detection enables immediate efforts to improve air quality,” he noted.
Congratulating the team, Vice Chancellor Jagdeep Singh said such research that improves the standard of living reflects both the capability and commitment of the institution to public welfare.
