Press Releases
[New Delhi, 29th May, 2006]
GAIL considers R&D centre for air pollution related diseases
New Delhi, May 29, 2006: GAIL is considering setting up of a Research and Development Centre for air pollution related diseases. This was announced by Mr. Proshanto Banerjee, Chairman and Managing Director, GAIL (India) Limited today while inaugurating of the Air Pollution Research and Disease Diagnostic Centre (APRDC) at the Lala Ram Sarup (LRS) Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Delhi. Dr. D C Jain, Director, LRS Institute and other senior officials of GAIL and the Hospital were present on the occasion.
The APRDC at LRS Institute, Delhi is the eighteenth centre to become functional amongst the 23 such centres being sponsored by GAIL in 23 cities all over India. “Encouraged by the overwhelming response that we have received from all the 18 centres in various parts of the country, GAIL is considering setting up a R&D centre for air pollution related diseases for analyzing the data fed from all the APRDCs”, said Mr. Proshanto Banerjee, CMD, GAIL while speaking on the occasion.
GAIL has sponsored the APRDC at the LRS Institute at a cost of Rs. 20 lakhs. With the APRDC going functional, LRS Institute has acquired a system for biochemical lung function testing in form of breath Condensate (ecoscreen) and a system for analysis of Hydrogen Peroxide in exhaled breath which is a marker for inflammation in lungs.
In order to meet its environmental commitment, GAIL has adopted the “API” (Awareness, Prevention and Implementation) strategy. This three pronged strategy is aimed at creating awareness about the quality of air we breathe in, giving information about the levels of pollutants in the air - locally through Electro Magnetic Displays at prominent positions in major cities and to the masses by way of sponsoring weather / pollution related programmes on TV channels. In order to prevent the ill-effects of pollution, Air pollution Related Disease Diagnostic Centres (APRDCs) are being set up in about 23 cities. Armed with latest equipments and backed by an investment of about Rs. 20 Lakhs each, these diagnostic centres are intended to help diagnose and prevent the health related adversities of pollution. After its success in Delhi and Mumbai, GAIL is planning to implement the CNG in other selected cities which will ensure a “blue sky” for the future generations.
For this purpose, GAIL is set to supply natural gas under Blue Sky Project in Agra, Allahabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Mathura, Pune, Sholapur, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Vijaywada, Gwalior, Indore, Jhansi, Barielly, Delhi, Ujjain, Mumbai, Kota, Kolkata, Rajhamundry, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi. Air pollution is set to be reduced on the supply of CNG to transport sector and piped natural gas for domestic and commercial usage in these cities
Looking into the health hazards by the vehicular emission and the pollution by several other means, GAIL has come up to start Air Pollution Related Diseases Diagnostic Centres in these cities which are self contained units with modern diagnostic amenities and medical personnel. These centres are sponsored by GAIL in partnership with reputed hospitals / institutions / NGOs in health care activities. This is a new concept in the area of health care to provide diagnostic facilities and treatment to the poorer section of the society and will facilitate baseline investigations for the diagnosis. This APRDC would work as R & D for the development of facilities for diagnosing suspended particles, which are known to cause various heart diseases and the levels of these particles are at alarming level in the environment.
The APRDCs are being set up as a part of the Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives of the company. GAIL believes in being a company with a heart, ‘Hriday’ (GAIL’s CSR Initiative). With an effective corporate social responsibility policy in place, the company realizes the value of helping communities. Today, GAIL’s corporate social responsibilities have stretched to the far corners of the country. The company’s commitment towards operating its core business in a socially responsible way is complemented by an investment in communities. Thus, creating a positive impact on society and the environment. GAIL’s Community Initiatives include Environment Protection and Horticulture, Infrastructure, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Healthcare and Medical facilities, Community Development, Educational Aids and Literacy Enhancement.