Sarath Guttikunda

Indian atmospheric scientist who revolutionized air quality monitoring in developing nations

Sarath Guttikunda (b. 1975) is an Indian environmental scientist who pioneered low-cost air quality monitoring systems for developing countries. In 2009, he founded AQICN (Air Quality Information Center Network), which provides real-time air quality data to 200+ cities across Asia, Africa, and South America. His invention of the Low-Cost Sensor Array (LCSA) reduced air quality monitoring costs by 90%, enabling deployment in regions lacking government infrastructure.

Guttikunda's 2014 study revealed New Delhi's air pollution mortality rates were 50% higher than WHO estimates, prompting India's first National Clean Air Program (2019). His Air Pollution Index (API) calculation method is now adopted by 15 countries including Bangladesh and Nigeria.

In 2017, he launched the Global Air Quality Map integrating NASA satellite data with ground sensors, providing 8-day pollution forecasts for 220 countries. This system helped Dhaka reduce particulate matter by 22% during the 2022 monsoon season through targeted shutdowns of polluting factories.

His 2020 book Breathing Cleaner Air: Solutions for Developing Cities became required reading at MIT's Urban Sustainability program. Guttikunda's work was cited in the landmark 2023 Supreme Court ruling requiring real-time air quality disclosures for Indian construction projects. His organization now trains 3,000+ environmental officials annually through partnerships with UNDP and WHO.