Nepali teen launches affordable air monitoring device

Nineteen-year-old Nepali student Shakriya Pandey has developed Vayudrishti, an affordable air monitoring device aimed at tackling Kathmandu’s severe air pollution. Kathmandu frequently ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, with worsening air quality impacting public health.

Vayudrishti, currently in the patent process in Nepal, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, is set to retail at just $299, a fraction of the $30,000 cost of similar devices. The device monitors PM2.5, PM10, greenhouse gasses, temperature, and humidity and provides over 30 years of climate data to support informed decision-making.

With US distribution approval, Vayudrishti’s data capabilities will expand to include alarms for forest fires and transboundary pollution studies. In partnership with USAID Clean Air, the project also promotes climate literacy in Nepal.

Pandey has participated in over 100 exhibitions and led 500+ projects, training over 1,000 students and teachers in robotics. Vayudrishti’s future plans include a website and mobile app to integrate climate data for greater accessibility and action against climate change.