The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research, known as SAFAR, is a groundbreaking national initiative orchestrated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). This system’s primary role is to effectively measure metropolitan cities’ air quality by gauging the overall pollution level and specific local air quality. This system isn’t outsourced but developed indigenously by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune and is operated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
How does SAFAR work?
Equipped with a large-scale, true-color LED display, this extraordinary system provides real-time air quality index data round the clock, with a color-coded scheme. It also offers a 72-hour advance forecast. The display isn’t just for show; its purpose extends to raising awareness about the city’s air quality among its citizens, prompting them to take suitable mitigation measures and systematic action.
Educational Initiatives and Policy-making
SAFAR is not only concerned with monitoring and research but also actively organizes awareness drives. It educates the public about self-mitigation measures against air pollution, catalyzing a proactive response from the general populace towards preserving their environment. SAFAR also aids policy-makers in devising mitigation strategies that align with the nation’s economic development needs.
Air Quality Early Warning System
Incorporating SAFAR into their operations, Delhi has deployed India’s first Air Quality Early Warning System. This system routinely monitors weather parameters such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed, and direction, ultraviolet radiation, and solar radiation. Moreover, it examines pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, Ozone, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, and Mercury.
Global Recognition
Maintaining high-quality control and standards in its implementation, the World Meteorological Organization has acknowledged SAFAR as a prototype activity. Its existence not only contributes to air quality monitoring but also results in cost savings for numerous sectors directly or indirectly affected by weather conditions and air quality, such as agriculture, aviation, infrastructure, disaster management, and tourism.
| Pollutants Monitored by SAFAR |
|---|
| PM2.5, PM10 |
| Ozone |
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) |
| Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) |
| Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) |
| Benzene, Toluene, Xylene |
| Mercury |
Air Quality Index (AQI): A Vital Aspect
The AQI is a crucial element of SAFAR, providing daily air quality reports focusing on health effects that individuals might experience within hours or days after exposure to polluted air. The AQI calculation includes eight primary air pollutants: ground-level ozone, PM10, PM2.5, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, and lead. Of these, ground-level ozone and airborne particles pose the greatest threat to human health in India.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024