International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

ICIMOD Air Quality Dashboard: Important Features

• The dashboard provides real-time and forecasted air quality data for the region.
• It uses a combination of ground sensor data and satellite imagery to give a comprehensive view of air pollution across local, sub-regional, and regional scales.
• A dynamic timelapse powered by the Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) tracks the spread of PM2.5 across the region.
• This model highlights the spread of pollution from hotspots like Lahore, New Delhi, and Kolkata.
• It provides two-day forecasts, allowing communities, policymakers, and researchers to anticipate air quality conditions and take proactive measures.

• A regional intergovernmental learning and knowledge-sharing centre founded in 1981.
  • Idea of creating ICIMOD was first discussed at the International Workshop in December 1974.
• 8 regional member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
  • HKH region encompasses mountain ranges, including the Hindu Kush, Himalayas, and Tibetan Plateau, extending from northern Afghanistan to Myanmar.

• Headquartered in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, and Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.
• ICIMOD also has a Knowledge Park in Godavari, Lalitpur exhibiting ICIMOD’s research and field applications.
• Country offices in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

• Collaborates with national and international scientific institutions, government agencies, donor agencies, and the private sector, both within the region and globally.
• Key Role: Promotes partnerships among regional member countries to secure a better future for the people and environment of the HKH region.

PYQ:

[2012] When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following:

1. Deep gorges
2. U-turn river courses
3. Parallel mountain ranges
4. Steep gradients causing land sliding

Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4