Amity University Chhattisgarh, located in Raipur, has achieved a significant milestone in environmental research by becoming the first institution in the state to collaborate with NASA. The university has successfully established an AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) Atmospheric Monitoring Station on its campus. This collaboration places the university among the global leaders in atmospheric research as part of NASA’s renowned AERONET network, which spans over 600 stations across more than 80 countries. This makes Amity University Chhattisgarh the second Amity campus in India, after Amity University Haryana, to join this prestigious global initiative.
The new monitoring station, named ‘Amity_Univ_Raipur,’ is located at coordinates 21.396°N, 81.891°E, with an elevation of 298 meters. It operates using the latest AERONET Version 3 DS and SDA Version 4.1 protocols, delivering real-time, high-resolution aerosol data. This data plays a crucial role in climate change research, air quality monitoring, satellite data validation, and environmental policymaking. All data collected at the station is uploaded to NASA’s central database and made freely available to the public, contributing to global open science efforts.
This achievement is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the Amity Education Group, further solidifying Amity University Chhattisgarh’s commitment to pioneering research and global cooperation. Prof (Dr) Piyush Kant Pandey, Vice Chancellor of Amity University Chhattisgarh and the local Principal Investigator for the project, expressed his pride, saying, “This partnership not only elevates Amity University Chhattisgarh but also represents a proud moment for the entire state. This facility will provide vital data to researchers, students, and policymakers, empowering them to make informed decisions on air quality, climate action, and sustainable development.”
The project is a result of close collaboration between scientists from both India and the international community. Alongside Prof Pandey, key contributors from Amity University Haryana, including Prof Roshan Mathew and Dr CS Devara, have worked closely with NASA’s Dr Brent Holben (AERONET Project Scientist) and Dr Alexander Smirnov (Lead SDA Scientist).
This initiative is also a testament to the visionary leadership of Dr Ashok K Chauhan, Founder President of Amity Education Group; Dr Aseem Chauhan, Chairman; and Dr W Selvamurthy, Chancellor of Amity University Chhattisgarh, whose emphasis on academic excellence and innovation has paved the way for this landmark collaboration. The facility will act as a dynamic hub for research and learning, fostering joint projects with national organizations such as ISRO, CPCB, IMD, and the Ministry of Environment, while contributing valuable data to global climate intelligence.
Amity University Chhattisgarh, part of the Amity Education Group, is a leading private educational institution in India, known for its innovative approach to higher education. Located on a 50-acre campus and supported by over 150 distinguished faculty members and scientists, the university offers a wide range of industry-focused undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. With a strong commitment to research, international partnerships, and academic excellence, Amity University Chhattisgarh continues to inspire students and scholars to make meaningful contributions to society and scientific progress.
