New Delhi, August 9: In partnership with seven other institutions, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jodhpur will employ innovative technologies for improving lives of the people of Sirohi, which is one of the most backward districts of Rajasthan. “Technologies like AI, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Analytics, sensors and drones will be used in areas of health, agriculture, solar energy, drinking water and communication facilities to improve the lives of the people,” said IIT Director, Santanu Chaudhury.
The idea is being described as Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR).
Model to be replicated in other districts as well
IIT Jodhpur has already started to work in the district, taking it up as a model project. The same will be replicated in other districts including Dholpur, Karauli, Baran and Jaisalmer in the future based on the success of the model. “This is our commitment under Scientific Social Responsibility to improve the living standard of the people of Sirohi by addressing problems plaguing the area and the people thereby harnessing modern technologies,” Mr. Chaudhury has been quoted as saying to a national daily.
Occupational hazard of silicosis- The foremost issue
Tackling the widespread occupational hazard of silicosis is a major issue. “The primary objective is to improve working conditions of workers and provide better medical facilities using a combination of AI and IoT,” he told a news daily.
Building predictive mechanism to prevent silicosis
He said, “The IIT, AIIMS and CSIR-IGIB Delhi would be working together in devising an AI engine to distinguish between TB and silicosis by way of augmenting doctors’ ability,” adding this augmentation would speed up diagnosis. He said that building a predictive mechanism with a view to prevent silicosis is the foremost concern.
Along with this, other initiatives are also improving the quality of soil and its productivity, AI-based plant disease diagnosis and solar trees to provide electricity. “We are looking at this project on a continuous basis so that we can get involved in the development of one aspirational district as part of SCR”, he told the media.
