SAFAR

SAFAR

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment

In News:

• According to the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the measures against COVID-19 have led to a drop in PM2.5 (fine particulate pollutant) to a great extent in major cities like Delhi and Pune. 

Key takeaways:

• With a nationwide lockdown in place, over 90 cities, including Delhi, have recorded minimal air pollution in the last few days.
• The level of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) pollution, mainly caused due to a high motor vehicle traffic, has also reduced.
• NOx pollution can increase the risk of respiratory conditions.

Important value additions:

System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)

• It was indigenously developed by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune. 
• It is run by India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• The objective is to provide Real-time air quality index on 24×7 basis with colour coding along with 72-hour advance weather forecast. 
• Another goal is to issue health advisory to prepare citizens well in advance.

Miscellaneous 

GreenCo Rating System

• GreenCo Rating system has been acknowledged in India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) document. 
• It is used as a proactive voluntary action of Indian industry / private sector towards combating climate change.
• It is developed by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
• CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization