Pollution and noise levels will be identified

UCundinamarca News spoke with teachers Hernán Montealegre and Diana Marcela Meneses, who will lead this interesting initiative from the institution, demonstrating their commitment to the territory and its inhabitants.

The University of Cundinamarca's commitment extends beyond simply imparting knowledge in the classroom; it also involves educating individuals for life, empowering them to transform their communities. This is the origin of these important initiatives in each of the regions where the university has a presence.

UCundinamarca News: What is the objective of this activity?

Hernán Montealegre: The objective is to determine air pollution levels in the city on those two dates, taking into account that the latter will be Bike Day, and to compare the results for publication in order to raise awareness about the use of clean energy. To this end, we will install the institution's particulate matter measuring equipment at three locations: the Mariano Ospina Pérez Bridge, from 6:30 to 8:30 am; then from 12:00 to 2:00 pm in the city center; and finally at the Clock Tower, located at the exit of the Sal Si Puedes Bridge, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

UCundinamarca News: Who will participate in this activity?

Hernán Montealegre: In all of this, we will be supported by the city's transit and planning secretariats, the Directorate of Technical Assistance and Environment (DATMA), and the CAR with its mobile unit, and we with a group of teachers and students from the program.

UCundinamarca News: What else is going to happen during those two days?

Hernán Montealegre: During those two days, we will have the support of the Transit Authority, who will randomly measure the emissions of thirty cars and inform their drivers whether they are complying with the regulations. Sometimes, even if their vehicle inspection is up to date, they may not be in compliance with the emissions test. In this case, they will receive an educational citation and be urged to have their vehicles inspected to ensure they meet the legal requirements.

Noise measurements will also be taken

UCundinamarca News: What does the noise measurement that will be carried out on those two dates consist of?

Diana Marcela Meneses: We're going to bring the sound level meters that the university has, and with the help of students, we'll install them according to current regulations at the predetermined locations. The idea is to take samples on those two dates and compare them to see how we're doing regarding noise pollution.

UCundinamarca News: What will be done with the results?

Diana Marcela Meneses: We will submit our report to the authorities so that they can take the appropriate corrective measures.

UCundinamarca News: What are the health consequences of continuous noise?

Diana Marcela Meneses: This has health consequences because when one is exposed to this situation, it can generate stress, high blood pressure and affect the ear, which can lead to a gradual loss of hearing.

In this way, UCundinamarca will contribute in Girardot to the mitigation of climate change as a necessity that is in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals which are an essential part of the institutional environmental policy.

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