Case Study of the Day: System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)

Background

Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in the world. In 2019, the average air quality index (AQI) in Delhi was 104, which is considered to be “poor”. In order to address the problem of air pollution in Delhi, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) launched the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) in 2003. SAFAR is a national initiative that provides real-time and forecast air quality information for major metropolitan cities in India, including Delhi.

How SAFAR Works

• SAFAR uses a network of air quality monitoring stations to collect data on a variety of pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, and O3. The data from these stations is then used to generate air quality forecasts for the next 1-3 days.
• SAFAR also uses a number of other factors to generate its forecasts, including weather data, emission data, and land use data. This information is used to create a model of the atmosphere over Delhi, which is then used to predict how air pollution will change over time.

Benefits of SAFAR

• It provides real-time information on air quality, which can help people to make informed decisions about their health and activities. For example, if the AQI is high, people may choose to stay indoors or wear a mask when they go outside.
• SAFAR provides forecast air quality information, which can help people to plan ahead. For example, if the AQI is forecast to be high, people may choose to work from home or take public transportation instead of driving.
• SAFAR helps to raise awareness about air pollution and its impacts on health. This information can help people to demand action from the government to improve air quality in Delhi.

Challenges

• The lack of funding for air quality monitoring and research.
• The difficulty of accurately predicting air pollution, especially in complex urban environments like Delhi.
• The lack of public awareness about air pollution and its impacts on health.

Despite these challenges, SAFAR is a valuable tool for improving air quality in Delhi. It provides real-time and forecast air quality information that can help people to protect their health and make informed decisions about their activities. SAFAR also helps to raise awareness about air pollution and its impacts on health, which can help to drive action from the government to improve air quality in Delhi.

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