Question

In which of the following states in India established the country’s first carbon dioxide measurement exchange tower?
a. Maharashtra
b. Gujarat
c. Kerala
d. Uttarakhand

Answer 1

Hint: Carbon dioxide measurement exchange towers are used to quantify the variation in emanation and exchange of carbon dioxide in the area around the installation. These towers are installed away from heavily polluted areas, so that there is no background pollution.

Complete answer:
• Some points related to India’s first carbon dioxide measurement exchange tower-
• In India such a tower was first built in the state of Uttarakhand.
• It was installed by the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) in the forests of Haldwani. The tower was launched by IISR on February 1, 2009.
• Haldwani was chosen as it has a large plantation area and thus, away from thickly populated areas with no background pollution.
• This tower was installed in collaboration with an Italian University.
• Its purpose was to quantify the exchange of carbon dioxide emanating from the forest region and the atmosphere.
• IIRS uses these data to study various issues related to global warming and climate change. These studies will help in drafting policies that help to better tackle the situation.
• This tower was installed with four types of sensors that monitor the degree of carbon dioxide said to be responsible for global warming.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Points to remember:
• At the time of the installation of this tower, there were about 600 such towers around the globe, of which about 400 were properly functioning.
• Since the first carbon dioxide measurement exchange tower of India was established in Haldwani (Uttarakhand), several other such towers have also been installed in other parts of the country like Barkot (Uttarakhand), Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), and Betul (Madhya Pradesh).