Darjeeling air quality declining

Darjeeling, the queen of hills in India’s eastern state of West Bengal, is facing deteriorating air quality, as revealed by a study published in ‘Atmospheric Environment’. The research warns that Darjeeling may soon join the list of non-attainment cities that fail to meet national ambient air quality criteria for at least five years.

The study focused on PM10 levels (very small pollutant particles) in Darjeeling from 2009 to 2021. Projections indicate that by 2024, PM10 pollution in Darjeeling will exceed national standards, reaching approximately 63 micrograms per cubic meter of air. During summer and winter, PM10 concentrations surpassed the Indian standard of 60 micrograms per cubic meter.

The study found that during summer, vehicular emissions from tourism contributed 33%, while biomass burning from roadside eateries accounted for 21%. Dust transport from the Indo-Gangetic Plain, coal combustion, domestic use, the Toy Train, and secondary sources also played a role. In winter, biomass burning, vehicular emissions, coal combustion, dust, and secondary sources were significant contributors.

The study raises concerns about uncontrolled tourist influx, unplanned urbanization, unauthorized land use, biomass and combustion activities, and the use of old vehicles and diesel-driven generator sets in Darjeeling. It emphasizes the urgent need for policymakers to address the significant pollution load in this high-altitude Himalayan tourist destination.

If pollution continues to increase unchecked, Darjeeling may become the first hill station in India to be included in the list of non-attainment cities. Currently, six cities in West Bengal — Asansol, Durgapur, Kolkata, Howrah, Haldia, and Barrackpore — already have air pollutant levels exceeding the national standard.