New York Varsity installs Solar Powered Weather station at MCU Campus

Bhopal now on Global Weather Monitoring Map: Prof (Dr.) KG Suresh

Bhopal, 30^th October, 2023: VC Prof Suresh today signed a “Statement of Shared Interest (SSI)” with the City University of New York (CUNY) which includes academic collaboration, Student and faculty exchange programs, Research Collaboration, joint Seminars and workshops.” On the occasion, The Bronx Community College (BCC) of the City University of New York (CUNY) installed a solar-powered weather station for climate change monitoring. The BCC’s initiative is funded by a grant from the U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai. The station will monitor air quality and weather on a micro-scale in Bhopal, making it the first in Central India. The event started with the plantation drive at the campus followed by unveiling the Stone Plaque and server room inauguration.

Prof. Paramita Sen, Lecturer, Director of India Center and Prof. Neal Phillip, Chair of the department and Director of International collaboration in CUNY jointly conducted a workshop for MCU faculty on weather monitoring and climate change. They provided data-driven insights about the climate issues which can be used to measure temperature, air quality, humidity levels, solar radiation, ultraviolet rays, and carbon dioxide levels in Bhopal. Prof. Paramita said, that as academicians, it’s our responsibility to work on the sustainable journey of development so that awareness should reach the different communities. Vice Chancellor Prof. Suresh stated that “It’s a proud moment for the state” which will bring constructive solution-based approaches towards the climate issues which is a serious concern of the world. The installation of this equipment will allow local stakeholders to access minute to minute weather data to take up weather-related decisions in their everyday lives. He emphasized that a mission to understand and address the various challenges arising from global climatic change should be taken up for various research, planning for control and other awareness platforms.

The solar-powered weather station operates on solar energy during the day, using a lithium battery for night time and cloudy days. Data will be shared with ‘Weather Underground,’ putting Bhopal on the global climate monitoring map. Academic institutions plan to include weather and air quality topics in their curriculum. A Student Poster Presentation Competition on “Climate Change and Monsoon” was held on October 18, 2023, whose results and winners will be announced on October 31st during the student interaction session.