Engaging Air Quality Information Awareness Course conducted by H2A2CR Centre, Central University of Jammu

JAMMU: The Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research (H2A2CR) Centre, along with the Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jammu and the Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS), Indian National Science Academy (INSA) under the Rural Science Education Training Utility Program (RuSETUP-2026) organized a two -day "Air Quality Information Awareness Course".

Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain believes infostering competence to create an Alert, Aware and Active community of Changemakers. He encouraged participants from different departments to understand the fundamentals of air quality and get benefitted. Clean air is our basic right and informed communities are the foundation of sustainable environmental action. Course Instructor Dr. Sarath Guttikunda, Founder and Director of UrbanEmissions.Info and Adjunct Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhifrom his extensive work under the Air Pollution Knowledge Assessments (APnA) for Cities program shared practical insights from air pollution studies across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, enriching the learning experience for participants.

The sessions focussed on introduction to the primers; ABC’s of air pollution and know your pollutants; demonstration of multiple scenario players and SIM-air toolbox; quiz,transport and non-transport calculators; Game: Vehicle usage survey; Emission scenario players and Exploring GIS data resources and uses etc. Under The “Atmos Kids” initiative, on Day 1, this extensive training program drew enthusiastic participation of Class VIII, IX and X students from KV Rahya. The school students are the real ambassadors to spread awareness and bring change.

This initiative aimed to foster early awareness about air pollution and environmental responsibility among young learners through engaging and interactive learning methods. Designed as an interactive certificate course, the program introduced school children to fundamental concepts of air quality, pollution sources, and their impacts on health and environment. Learning sessions were conducted through games, quizzes, and interactive discussions, making complex scientific ideas accessible and engaging for young minds.

Day 2 was exclusively organized for undergraduate and postgraduate students, providing them with deeper insights into air pollution science, monitoring techniques, and real-world case studies. The sessions encouraged critical thinking and active participation, enabling students to better understand the role of scientific research and policy in air quality management.Convener, Dr. Shweta Yadav, In-charge, H2A2CR Centre Delivered formal vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Jain for visionary leadership and guidance, Course Instructor Dr Sarath Guttikunda, entire CUJammu and INYAS fraternity. She also thanked the enthusiastic participants from school students and UG/PG students of different departments and the organizing committee members of Atmospheric Science and Climate Research Group for making this course a huge success.