Know weather forecast and air quality via SAFAR

Mumbaikars can now easily know about pollution level and weather forecast of the city, using SAFAR (System of Air Quality & weather Forecasting and Research). This new air quality and weather forecasting system was recently launched in Mumbai by Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Science Minister Harsh Vardhan.

SAFAR is a monitoring and forecast system conceived to provide three days weather information with health advisories, levels of Ultra-Violet radiation and pollution among others, reported PTI.

The system was developed by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, in association with Regional Meteorological Center Mumbai-India Metrological Department, and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM).

Speaking on the occasion, Vardhan praised the Met department whose weather forecasts for farmers and fishermen, he said, have contributed towards the economic development of the country to the tune of Rs 32,000 crore.

He said the Met department is technically qualified and equipped to make weather forecasts. “There is a lot of misunderstanding in the public about this. The department is doing a very good job," Vardhan told PTI.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was also present on the occasion, said SAFAR was a responsibility given to the state and the state will take care of it.

SAFAR-Mumbai will deliver services like color-coded index based current and 3-days forecast with health advisories, severity of UV radiation with associated skin advisories, current and 3-days advance forecast, tidal levels and severe weather alert for extreme pollution and weather events, and accounting location-wise sources of air pollution.
(Image: Indiatimes)