The Technical Committee for Analysis of the Air Quality Index (AQI), operating under the Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA), has officially approved the agency’s newly designed Air Quality Forecasting Model, calling it a significant breakthrough in environmental monitoring and management.
The decision came during a meeting chaired by EPA Punjab Director General Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, where officials reviewed the system’s capability to deliver accurate short-term forecasts of air quality conditions across the province. The new model represents a major step toward developing a comprehensive air quality monitoring network in Punjab.
During the session, Deputy Director Dr. Farieha and Data Analyst Fahad Ahmad from the Strategy & Analysis Wing (SAW) briefed the committee on the model’s framework. They explained that the system utilizes real-time air quality data from across Punjab and integrates international forecasting techniques to predict pollution trends with enhanced precision.
Environmental experts, academics, and institutional representatives at the meeting welcomed the development, describing it as a vital step toward evidence-based environmental policymaking. They noted that the forecasting model will enable the EPA to issue timely health advisories and take swift action during pollution spikes, including smog episodes.
Among the key attendees were Dr. Nusrat Naz (Director, Monitoring, Laboratory & Implementation, EPA Punjab), Dr. Derk Bekker (Head of Environmental Sciences, FCCU), Dr. Zaeem bin Babar (University of the Punjab), Dr. Umar Farooq (UET Lahore), Dr. Hammad (PCSIR Laboratories), Mr. Hassan (Urban Unit), Ms. Fatima Najeeb (FCDO), and Mr. Riaz Ahmad (Deputy Director, EPA Lahore Laboratory).
After thorough discussions, the committee approved the five-day AQI forecast and recommended certain refinements to the system, which the EPA team agreed to incorporate. The members also emphasized the importance of benchmarking the model against international forecasting systems to maintain accuracy and ensure global compatibility.
The committee was established under the authority granted by the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997, with Dr. Sheikh as its chair. Officials highlighted that the newly approved forecasting model will serve as a critical tool in combating Punjab’s persistent smog problem and addressing the province’s long-term air quality challenges.
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Funny how this works. AQI measuring devices already exist. They measure the air quality and not some claim made by anyone.
Predict all you want , it’s not like you can stop it. 😏