The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has ambitious plans to enhance air quality monitoring across the nation. By leveraging advanced technology and research, IMD aims to provide timely air quality warnings, significantly improving public health and awareness.
IMD plans to expand its air quality monitoring capabilities to include 92 additional polluted cities over the next two years. This initiative is part of its commitment to improving air quality awareness through the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR).
SAFAR, developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune and operational since 2010 during the Commonwealth Games, is India’s pioneering metro air quality service. It provides forecasts for 1-3 days in specific cities, helping residents plan their outdoor activities accordingly.
Currently, SAFAR covers air quality forecasts for 40 out of 132 identified 'air contaminated' cities, including major urban centers such as Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
IMD currently employs the American prediction model for both meteorological and pollution forecasting. This model serves as the foundation for generating air quality forecasts. However, there are plans to enhance this system.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences is actively considering the acquisition of high computational servers. This upgrade aims to improve the accuracy and reach of air quality forecasts. By using multiple forecasting models, IMD intends to ensure reliability and avoid dependence on a single source.
IMD operates a network of 1,200 monitoring stations, including 400 real-time stations spread across 400-500 cities. In Delhi alone, there are 40 real-time monitoring stations complemented by 6-7 manual stations, providing comprehensive coverage of the area’s air quality.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), functioning under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), plays a crucial role in air quality monitoring. It releases an air quality index for around 226 cities by 3 PM daily and updates it hourly. This index categorizes air quality into six health impact levels: good, satisfactory, moderate, poor, very poor, and severe.
IMD has been a pioneer in systematic long-term environmental monitoring in India. Its efforts include tracking atmospheric aerosol properties, analyzing ozone levels, and studying precipitation chemistry. This foundational work is essential for understanding and improving air quality across the country.
Knowledge is the first step to clearer skies. Thank you for exploring IMD's air quality forecast initiatives with us. Like, share, and stay tuned for more updates.
Q1. What is IMD's plan for air quality monitoring?
Answer: IMD plans to provide air quality early warnings through SAFAR to 92 more polluted cities in the next two years.
Q2. How does SAFAR operate?
Answer: SAFAR offers 1-3 days advance air quality forecasts, developed by IITM and launched during the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Q3. How many cities does SAFAR currently cover?
Answer: SAFAR currently provides forecasts for 40 out of 132 identified polluted cities in India, including major metropolitan areas.
Q4. What technology does IMD use for forecasting?
Answer: IMD uses an American prediction model for meteorology and pollution forecasting, with plans to improve this system further.
Q5. What role does CPCB play in monitoring air quality?
Answer: CPCB releases air quality indices for 226 cities and assesses potential health impacts based on various pollution levels.
Question 1: What does SAFAR stand for in the context of air quality monitoring?
A) System for Air Quality and Forecasting
B) System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research
C) Standard Air Quality Assessment Framework
D) Scientific Air Quality Forecasting and Research
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How many real-time monitoring stations does IMD operate in Delhi?
A) 20
B) 30
C) 40
D) 50
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which organization developed SAFAR?
A) Indian Institute of Meteorological Sciences
B) Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
C) Central Pollution Control Board
D) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of the air quality index released by CPCB?
A) To forecast weather
B) To categorize air quality levels
C) To monitor temperature changes
D) To provide pollution alerts
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: How many cities are included in India's air quality monitoring program?
A) 100
B) 132
C) 200
D) 250
Correct Answer: B
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