Staff reporter
Guwahati: Guwahati’s air pollution levels peak during winter, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching 113.05 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³)—nearly three times above India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limit of 40 µg/m³ for annual exposure and 2.8 times above the 24-hour limit of 60 µg/m³. The report was conducted by researchers from IIT Kanpur’s Civil Engineering Department and National Aerosol Facility, the study, published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (Springer Nature), identifies transboundary air pollution as a key contributor, with nearly 47% of air masses originating from the Indo-Gangetic Plain and 32% from Bangladesh. Meteorological factors such as low temperatures, calm winds, and a shallow planetary boundary layer further trap pollutants, exacerbating air quality deterioration in winter.
“Guwahati’s air pollution is not just a local problem but is significantly influenced by transboundary air masses from the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Bangladesh, particularly in winter. Additionally, emissions from vehicles, industries, biomass burning, and construction further worsen the air quality,” said Prof. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, Corresponding Author of the study and Expert Committee Member for the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
The report further said that there are four major contributors to Guwahati’s air pollution. They are transboundary and regional pollution – 47% of air masses from the Indo-Gangetic Plain and 32% from Bangladesh bring pollutants that get trapped due to winter conditions. Another one is vehicular emissions – high congestion, diesel-powered vehicles, and poor engine maintenance create PM2.5 hotspots along major roads.
The remaining two factors are industrial and construction activities – small industries, brick kilns, and road dust significantly degrade air quality, especially in dry months and biomass and waste burning – household fuel use, open waste burning, and seasonal crop residue fires elevate PM2.5 levels, particularly in winter.
Using low-cost Atmos air quality sensors developed by Respirer Living Sciences, collected real-time data from multiple locations across Guwahati between July 2022 and June 2023. The findings highlight pollution hotspots along NH-27, key commercial zones, and industrial clusters, where PM2.5 concentrations exceed national safety limits.
“This is the most detailed air pollution map of Guwahati to date. Our dense network of sensors has revealed critical pollution hotspots, enabling targeted intervention strategies,” said Ronak Sutaria, CEO & Founder of Respirer Living Sciences.
The study underscores the urgent need for localized air quality management strategies, calling for stricter industrial emission regulations, green buffer zones, and public health advisories during peak pollution months. “Understanding seasonal and transboundary pollution dynamics is crucial for effective mitigation. This study provides essential insights for policymakers to design better air quality action plans for Guwahati,” Prof. Tripathi added.
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