In a joint effort, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) are set to inspect air quality monitoring stations operated by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). However, SAFAR's lack of response to officials has led to a stern warning from city officials. Now, they have to respond or face a power cut.
SAFAR is an independent organisation under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It operates nine air-quality monitoring stations in Mumbai. These stations are managed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), based in Pune. They have previously faced criticism from the MPCB over air quality accuracy.
Last week, the BMC sent a written notice to SAFAR, informing them of the upcoming joint inspection with the MPCB. Despite this, SAFAR has yet to respond.
Concerns have been raised over the maintenance of the monitoring station and the condition of the gas cylinders. According to reports, the monitoring station's maintenance contract has not yet been extended. In addition, the station is not adequately maintained, and the gas cylinders are defective.
Now, SAFAR will be given another reminder. If it fails to respond to that too, its electricity supply will be turned off.
SAFAR stations have been monitoring air quality since 2015. Meanwhile, the civic organisation has established its own monitoring stations at Govandi (West), Byculla, Ghatkopar (East), and Sewri (East). These stations have been recording data for the past two months.
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