SAFAR, initiated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), is a nationwide program designed to evaluate the air quality of a metropolitan area by assessing both the overall pollution level and the city’s location-specific air quality. This program serves as a pivotal element in India’s inaugural Air Quality Early Warning System, currently active in Delhi. SAFAR monitors various environmental parameters, including temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed and direction, UV radiation, and solar radiation, among others. Recognizing the high-quality control and standards upheld in its execution, the World Meteorological Organization has acknowledged SAFAR as a prototype activity.
DEVELOPED BY
The system, originally developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, is currently managed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Featuring a large true-color LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, the system provides a continuous, real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) with color-coded information, accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, the system offers a 72-hour advance forecast.
HOW IS AIR QUALITY INDEX CALCULATED IN INDIA
The calculation of the Air Quality Index (AQI) in India is based on the average concentration of a specific pollutant measured over a standard time interval. For most pollutants, the time interval is 24 hours, but for carbon monoxide and ozone, it is 8 hours.
Eight individual pollutants are monitored for the calculation of AQI in India. These pollutants include PM10 (Particulate Matter with a diameter less than 10 micrometers), PM2.5 (Particulate Matter with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers), nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ground-level ozone, ammonia, and lead.
To calculate the AQI, data for a minimum of three pollutants must be present, and one of these must be either PM10 or PM2.5. The AQI provides a standardized way to communicate the level of air quality to the public, incorporating multiple pollutants to offer a comprehensive assessment of air pollution.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives are:
Raising Public Awareness: The aim is to inform and educate the public about the air quality in their city. By enhancing awareness, the goal is to encourage individuals to take necessary precautions and support appropriate mitigation measures. The ultimate objective is to empower the community to actively contribute to improving air quality.
Assisting Policymakers: The system is designed to provide valuable data and insights to policymakers. This information aids in the development of effective mitigation strategies while considering the economic prosperity of the country. By offering a comprehensive understanding of air quality trends, policymakers can make informed decisions to address environmental concerns without compromising economic development.
SIGNIFICANCE
Implementing the system will result in cost savings across various industries, including agriculture, aviation, infrastructure, disaster management, tourism, and others. These sectors, whether directly or indirectly influenced by air quality and weather conditions, stand to benefit from the accurate and timely information provided by the system. The efficiency gained in decision-making and planning within these industries can lead to substantial economic advantages and improved resource utilization.
FAQs: SAFAR – SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING AIR POLLUTANTS
1. What is SAFAR, and what is its primary purpose?
A: SAFAR stands for Systems of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, a nationwide program initiated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). It assesses the air quality of metropolitan areas, evaluating overall pollution levels and providing location-specific air quality information. SAFAR is a key component of India’s Air Quality Early Warning System, currently operational in Delhi.
2. Who developed the SAFAR system?
A: Originally developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, the SAFAR system is currently managed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
3. What environmental parameters does SAFAR monitor?
A: SAFAR monitors various environmental parameters, including temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed and direction, UV radiation, and solar radiation, among others.
4. How does the real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) work in SAFAR?
A: The system features a large true-color LED display that provides a continuous, real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) with color-coded information. This AQI is accessible 24/7 and also includes a 72-hour advance forecast.
5. How is the Air Quality Index (AQI) calculated in India?
A: The AQI in India is calculated based on the average concentration of specific pollutants measured over a standard time interval. The time interval is typically 24 hours, except for carbon monoxide and ozone, where it is 8 hours. Eight individual pollutants, including PM10, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ground-level ozone, ammonia, and lead, are monitored. A minimum of three pollutants must have data for the AQI calculation, with one being either PM10 or PM2.5.
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