Air quality in Delhi continues to remain in ‘severe’ category

Air quality in Delhi continues to remain in ‘severe’ category

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Pollution

In news

• The air quality in Delhi continues to remain in ‘severe’ category. 
• The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, SAFAR has advised people to avoid all physical activity outdoors.

Important value additions 

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

• Indigenously developed by: Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune
• Run by: India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• Objective: (1) To provide Real-time air quality index on 24×7 basis with colour coding along with 72-hour advance weather forecast; (2) To issue Health advisory to prepare citizens well in advance.
• Parameters monitored: Pollutants: PM1, PM2.5, PM10, Ozone, CO, NOx (NO, NO2), SO2, BC, Methane (CH4), Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), Black Carbon, VOC’s, Benzene and Mercury.
• Meteorological Parameters: UV Radiation, Rainfall, Temperature, Humidity, Wind speed, Wind direction, solar radiation.