Air pollution is at its all time high and one can’t even begin to understand its aftermath on our lives.It is not hidden from anyone that 2016 has seen one of the worst readings in the history, thus, giving birth to several new diseases, poor health standards, and a mucky environment for people to live in.Currently, we live in an area that doesn’t meet air quality standards, 17 times higher than the acceptable standards at some places.This could have happened due to a lot of things; crackers, pollution from industries, wood-burning, or vehicle pollution.
A school student from Bhubaneswar won the 2016 IGNITE award from the President on November 6, for her incredible and novel innovation that let motorists know about the pollution they’re spreading.IGNITE is a national competition of original technological innovations.These awards are given to children younger than 17 years.The student, who goes by the name of Priyanka Panda, is inspired by Late President APJ Kalam.“Most of the time, while travelling, people do not care to turn off the car’s engine when at a red light or short halts.” she said
Her invention is one of its kind, which is set next to the odometer, displaying a warning message for the rider. The alerts start to work if he/ she is wasting fuel or contributing to the air pollution.The space near the odometer could be used to set up a digital screen which would display a warning message that will pull at the rider's conscience. All the messages are extremely practical and thought to provoke, for instance.“You’ve spoilt two years of a child's life”
Her theory is simple. The number of years wasted will be directly proportional to the amount of pollution created during those standing minutes.This releases harmful pollutants into the air and wastes fuel.