Meghan Hodges
Air pollution is a pressing issue in Northeast India, with cities like Guwahati, Agartala, and Byrnihat emerging as pollution hotspots. The region has traditionally been viewed as ecologically pristine with lush landscapes and relatively lower pollution levels. However, rapid industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development are threatening this balance. The pollution in Northeast India is attributed to various factors, including industrial emissions, inefficient cooking and heating practices, forest fires, and urban development. The health and economic impacts of air pollution in the region are significant, underscoring the need for effective monitoring and mitigation strategies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pollution in Northeast India compared to other regions | Between 1998 and 2020, PM2.5 pollution levels in Northeast India increased by 55%. In 2020, Northeast India was one of the three regions in India that averaged under or near the national standard of 40 μg m−3. In 2023, Northeast India had a 13% increase in PM2.5 levels in its cities. |
| Most polluted cities in India | In 2023, Begusarai in Bihar was the most polluted city in India, followed by Guwahati in Northeast India, and then New Delhi. Smaller cities in Bihar and Rajasthan emerged as pollution hotspots. |
| India's ranking in global pollution levels | India was the third most polluted country globally in 2023, after Bangladesh and Pakistan. |
| India's PM2.5 concentration | India recorded an average population-weighted PM2.5 concentration of 54.4 μg/m3 in 2023, which is 10 times over the World Health Organization's guideline value. |
| Open waste burning contribution in Northeast India | Open waste burning is present in all Indian states, with Northeast India having the highest share of up to 6.8%. |
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What You'll Learn
The rise of industrial activity in Byrnihat
Northeast India has been facing a pollution crisis, with the air quality in the north worsening significantly. Smaller cities in Bihar and Rajasthan have emerged as pollution hotspots, rivalling metropolitan areas like Delhi. Delhi and Chandigarh were the most polluted union territories in the country, but the Northeast region is not far behind. In 2024, Byrnihat, located on the Assam-Meghalaya border, was ranked as the most polluted city in India, with a monthly average PM2.5 concentration of 73 µg/m³. This level exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limit of 60 µg/m³ on 57% of the days during the month. The town's significant industrial activity has made it a focal point of concern, particularly as the northeastern region of India is traditionally perceived as an ecologically pristine area with lush landscapes and relatively lower pollution levels.
Byrnihat has long been a hub for industries, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and cement. The town's residential areas are surrounded by industrial units, with 39 units in Assam and 41 in Meghalaya. These industries include those involved in the production of coke, cement, ferro alloys, steel, distillation, and brickmaking. The rapid industrialization of the region, coupled with the lack of stringent pollution control measures, has led to uncontrolled emissions of pollutants, including PM2.5. The health repercussions of Byrnihat's worsening air quality are deeply concerning, with residents suffering from respiratory ailments, allergies, and chronic lung diseases.
The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board has acknowledged the issue, attributing the high concentrations of particulate matter levels to emissions from industries, vehicles, and construction activities. However, the implementation of pollution control measures has been sluggish, and the negligence of industries in the area has continued. Many industries fail to follow proper environmental guidelines, releasing unfiltered smoke directly from their stacks. The lack of comprehensive air quality monitoring systems in the region has also made it difficult to track and mitigate pollution levels effectively.
The pollution crisis in Byrnihat has triggered widespread concern among policymakers, regulatory bodies, and environmentalists. The Meghalaya state Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Air Pollution was released in December 2024, and the Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA), has initiated stricter regulatory measures. Researchers have recommended stricter regulations on industrial emissions, the expansion of green buffer zones, and timely public health advisories during peak pollution periods.
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Poor air quality in Guwahati and Agartala
Air pollution is a pressing issue in India, with the country witnessing a brown cloud of pollution that affects everything from wheat yields to rainfall patterns. This toxic cloud has severe health implications, reducing the average Indian life expectancy by 3.4 years, and this number is even higher in North India, where it is estimated to be 6.3 years.
Northeast India has not been spared from this pollution crisis, with cities like Guwahati and Agartala facing poor air quality that poses risks to human health and the environment.
Guwahati, a city in the state of Assam, has been battling air pollution, with the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) levels fluctuating. On July 1, 2025, the AQI level was recorded at 60, which is considered moderate. However, the levels can vary, with the worst AQI reading in the previous 24 hours reaching 66, which is still within the moderate range. The main pollutant in Guwahati is PM2.5, with concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization's annual guideline values. These fine particles can easily enter the lungs and have been linked to respiratory issues such as asthma and other health concerns.
Agartala, the capital of Tripura, also struggles with air pollution, as indicated by its AQI readings. The city's PM2.5 concentrations are 2.5 times the World Health Organization's annual guideline values, indicating a significant presence of harmful particulate matter. Air quality monitoring stations in specific areas, such as Bardowali, have reported AQI values of 57, which is considered moderate. However, these levels can fluctuate and may pose health risks to sensitive individuals.
The poor air quality in Guwahati and Agartala can be attributed to various factors, including vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and the burning of agricultural waste and garbage. These sources contribute to the overall air pollution in Northeast India, impacting the well-being of residents and the surrounding ecosystems.
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Health and economic impact of pollution
Air pollution is a persistent problem in the foothills of the Himalayas, affecting Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. The pollution, caused by inefficient wood and dung-fuelled heating and cooking devices, forest fires, and industrial and urban pollution, poses a severe health hazard. The haze and pollution remain against the mountains for weeks, and scientists are gathering evidence that this is modifying the regional weather, particularly rainfall patterns.
The health impact of air pollution in India is significant, and the economic impact is also substantial. The Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 estimated that there were 1.67 million deaths attributable to air pollution in India in 2019, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths in the country. The majority of these deaths were from ambient particulate matter pollution and household air pollution. The death rate due to household air pollution decreased by 64.2% from 1990 to 2019, while that due to ambient particulate matter pollution increased by 115.3% and ambient ozone pollution by 139.2%. The economic loss due to lost output from premature deaths and morbidity attributable to air pollution is high in India, equivalent to 1.36% of India's GDP in 2019, or $28.8 billion. The healthcare costs of treating diseases attributable to air pollution are also a significant economic burden, estimated at $103.7 billion in 2019.
The impact of air pollution varies across Indian states. In 2019, the economic loss due to lost output from premature deaths attributable to ambient ozone pollution ranged from 0.01% of GDP in Nagaland to 0.12% in Uttar Pradesh. The economic loss due to lost output from premature deaths and morbidity attributable to ambient particulate matter pollution ranged from $9.5 million in Arunachal Pradesh to $3188.4 million in Uttar Pradesh. The economic impact of household air pollution also varies, with losses ranging from $7.6 million in Goa to $1829.6 million in Uttar Pradesh.
The high burden of death and disease due to air pollution, as well as the substantial economic impact, could impede India's aspiration to be a $5 trillion economy by 2024. Successful reduction of air pollution through state-specific strategies would lead to substantial benefits for both the health of the population and the economy. Urbanization and industrialization are major contributors to air pollution in India, and the growing urban population and vehicular traffic increase pollutant emissions and aerosol loads in the atmosphere. Climate change and air pollution pose serious health risks in Indian cities, with extreme climate events and intensified heat waves causing health issues for residents. Regular air pollution monitoring and addressing climate change are crucial for mitigating the human health impacts of pollution in India.
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Sources of pollution: vehicles, power plants, waste burning
India has some of the worst air pollution in the world, and the pollution in its northeastern region has been a growing concern. Byrnihat, located on the Assam-Meghalaya border, was ranked as the most polluted city in the country in September 2024. The city's significant industrial activity, including factories and construction, has been a major contributor to its poor air quality. The lack of stringent pollution control measures in these industries has led to uncontrolled emissions, particularly of PM2.5.
Vehicular emissions are also a significant source of pollution in Byrnihat and the northeast. The lack of adequate public transportation infrastructure has resulted in a higher dependence on private vehicles, adding to the problem. The increase in heavy vehicle traffic, particularly around industrial areas, has been noted by locals. Additionally, the movement of these vehicles stirs up dust, contributing further to the region's air pollution.
Power plants are major contributors to air pollution in India, with less than 5% of the country's power plants having modern systems to clean up air pollutants like sulphur and mercury. While the power plants with the largest impact are mainly in southern India, coal-fired power plants are among the major polluters in the northeast. India is increasing electricity generated from coal by 50% between 2018 and 2030, which will have significant implications for air quality.
Waste burning is another critical source of pollution. India has made progress in tackling indoor air pollution by phasing out kerosene lamps and promoting the use of cleaner fuels like LPG. However, open waste burning, particularly of agricultural waste, garbage, and dung, remains a significant issue. If current trends continue, residential biofuel usage is projected to be phased out by 2035, but without stronger policies to promote recycling and waste-to-energy solutions, open waste burning is likely to become India's largest source of air pollution.
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Pollution's effect on the regional weather
Northeast India has been facing a significant increase in pollution levels, with cities in the region experiencing a 13% increase in PM2.5 levels during the 2023-24 winter season compared to the previous year. This trend is particularly notable in smaller cities, which are now rivalling major metropolitan areas in terms of pollution levels.
Byrnihat, located on the Assam-Meghalaya border, was ranked as India's most polluted city in September 2024, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) limit. The town's industrial activities, lack of pollution control measures, and land mining practices have been identified as major contributors to its air pollution crisis.
The rapid industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development in the northeastern region have led to a concerning rise in pollution levels, threatening its rich biodiversity and ecosystems. This has put a spotlight on the emerging environmental challenges faced by the northeastern states of India, which have traditionally been perceived as ecologically pristine areas.
The effects of pollution on regional weather patterns are complex and multifaceted. Air pollution, composed of various pollutants like particulate matter, ozone, and greenhouse gases, can have both direct and indirect impacts on weather systems. For example, increased ground-level ozone, a potent greenhouse gas, can affect weather processes and decrease agricultural yields, impacting food security. Additionally, pollutants can rise high into the atmosphere, spreading across regions and even reaching the lower stratosphere, potentially influencing regional climate patterns.
In the context of Northeast India, the specific effects on regional weather are not explicitly mentioned in the sources. However, it is important to consider the broader implications of pollution on weather patterns. The vast cloud of pollution that hangs over North India, including the northeast region, can affect local wheat yields and monsoon rainfall patterns. Additionally, the presence of pollutants in the atmosphere can have unknown effects on the regional climate, potentially influencing temperature, precipitation, and weather conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
In September 2024, Byrnihat, located on the Assam-Meghalaya border, was ranked as the most polluted city in India. This is particularly concerning as the northeastern region of India is traditionally perceived as an ecologically pristine area with lush landscapes and relatively lower pollution levels compared to other parts of the country. Five other cities in the region were also among the 30 most polluted cities in India for February 2024.
The pollution in northeast India is caused by a combination of factors, including rapid industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development. Many industries in the region lack stringent pollution control measures, leading to uncontrolled emissions of pollutants. Land mining is also an issue, with dust from mining activities being discharged in traditionally cultivated paddy fields.
The effects of pollution in northeast India are likely similar to those seen in other parts of the country. Air pollution in India is a silent killer, shortening the average Indian life by roughly 3.4 years, according to a study. It impacts everything from local wheat yields to monsoon rainfall and is also destroying millions of tons of crops.
