Mumbai, 28th August 2023: Just as meteorological forecasts allow individuals to prepare for incoming rain, a new system now enables residents to be well-informed and prepared in advance for deteriorating air quality. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has launched an Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) that aims to provide timely alerts to citizens across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) about worsening air quality conditions. This advancement comes in response to the significant air pollution levels experienced earlier this year that had adverse effects on residents.
Through the AQEWS, citizens can access real-time and forecast data on pollution levels, gathered from a network of monitoring stations across the region. This comprehensive data collection effort enables accurate predictions of air quality trends, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and adjust their activities accordingly.
The introduction of the AQEWS was highlighted during the India Clean Air Summit (ICAS) 2023, organized by the Centre for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy (CSTEP). As a leading think tank in India, CSTEP is dedicated to enriching policymaking through innovative applications of science and technology for a sustainable, secure, and inclusive society. The newly launched AQEWS can be accessed through the IITM portal (ews.tropmet.res.in/mumbai/index.php), offering detailed historical information, real-time data, and forecasts related to PM2.5 and PM10 emissions across 24 locations in the MMR.
Dr. Sachin Ghude, a scientist at IITM, emphasized the significance of this new tool. “Capturing PM2.5 levels of such unprecedented magnitude is a global rarity, and we faced considerable challenges in collecting such exceptional data from the city,” said Dr. Ghude. The AQEWS leverages accurate weather forecasts as a foundation to provide precise air quality predictions.
During the ICAS 2023 session, Dr. Ghude further explained that the AQEWS empowers citizens, particularly those who are vulnerable to respiratory ailments, such as senior citizens and children, to make informed choices during winter when air quality tends to deteriorate. The integration of satellite data on aerosol optical depth (AOD) from a vast network of 420 air quality monitoring stations across India contributes to the effectiveness of this early warning system. This network covers major cities including Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
“This innovative system holds immense potential as a decision support tool for effective air quality management,” stated Dr. Ghude, highlighting the positive impact that the AQEWS can have on public health and the environment. As individuals gain access to timely air quality information, they can take proactive measures to protect their health and well-being during periods of poor air quality.
