Two monitors down in Kochi

The Kerala State Pollution Control Board's Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations at Vyttila and Kaloor are non-functional, leaving Kochi without real-time air pollution data.

Contracts expired in October 2023

The annual maintenance contracts for the Vyttila and Kaloor stations expired on October twenty-two, twenty twenty-three. The contractor quoted a higher rate for renewal, which officials rejected.

Tender process delayed repeatedly

A technical committee decided in March twenty twenty-four to invite fresh tenders. The tender notice was published July twenty-eight, twenty twenty-five, with submission deadline August twenty-seven, twenty twenty-five.

Re-tender issued in January 2026

The board issued a re-tender notice on January one, twenty twenty-six for comprehensive maintenance of four stations: Vyttila, Kaloor, Eloor and Palayam in Kozhikode.

Third station functional but aging

The Eloor station remains functional, though its annual maintenance contract expired a year ago. Both Vyttila and Kaloor have power connections and backup facilities in place.

Manual testing fills the gap

Officials said manual testing of air pollution levels is being carried out at areas including Vyttila and Irumpanam. An agency has been shortlisted and discussions are progressing to finalise contract terms.

“manual testing of air pollution levels is being carried out”