Jaipur: On the occasion of World Environment Day (June 5), the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board unveiled Jaipur’s pioneering early warning and decision support system for air quality management. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, remotely activated the system during a state-level event held in Jaipur, marking a significant step towards proactive pollution control measures.
Designed to provide advanced notification about impending air pollution episodes over the next five days, the system offers a daily breakdown of the primary contributors to particulate matter (PM) pollution in the air. Leveraging technology proven successful in Delhi, the system aims to raise public awareness regarding anticipated air pollution levels and enable the government to formulate strategies for pollution reduction.
Improved air quality resulting from effective pollution mitigation measures can significantly reduce the risks associated with acute exposure to air pollution, including mortality and morbidity rates. Building on the success of Delhi’s air quality early warning system, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has extended its forecasting capabilities to Jaipur.
The system operates through two domains, with the outer domain covering the entire Indian subcontinent at a horizontal grid spacing of 10 km. Subsequently, the output undergoes dynamic downscaling to enhance resolution for Jaipur and its surroundings, achieving a horizontal grid spacing of 2 km. An integrated decision support system (DSS) complements the air quality warning system by providing insights into the source apportionment of particulate matter pollution in the city. Officials highlight the DSS’s ability to identify and quantify contributions from various regions and sectors to the overall pollution burden, facilitating informed decision-making for targeted pollution control measures. The integration of cutting-edge technology with environmental governance reflects Jaipur’s commitment to prioritising public health and environmental sustainability.
With the implementation of this innovative air quality warning system, Jaipur aims to enhance its capacity for pollution monitoring and management, setting a precedent for other cities to adopt proactive measures towards cleaner and healthier urban environments.
